In this interview, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)'s International Trade Development Manager Jacob Schroeder catches up with MBN about some of the corporation's international trade endeavors.
Topics in this interview include:
-MI-STEP (Michigan's State Trade Expansion Program)renewing in the fiscal year beginning 10/1.
-New international trade offices in Japan and South Korea.
-Trade missions to Japan, Eurosatory in Paris, 3 missions to Mexico, Healthcare show in Africa and UAE, and a potential show in India.
Click below to listen to Jake and Jeffrey's discussion about MEDC's international opportunities.
Many opportunities internationally in conjunction with MEDC are coming up over the next few months, here are some highlights.
Mexico Trade Mission
November 10-15, 2019
Monterrey & Guanajuato, Mexico
Join the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s trade mission to Mexico. The mission delegation will stop in Monterrey for B2B matchmaking meetings before traveling to Guanajuato to exhibit in the Guanajuato Cluster Suppliers Forum. Participants will benefit from networking events and logistical support provided by the Mexico Trade Office.
In conjunction with this mission, participants will receive booth space to exhibit at the Guanajuato Cluster Suppliers Forum. The Forum, which is held in the most dynamic automotive region in Mexico, provides opportunities to meet with purchasing directors for OEMs, direct and indirect suppliers, as well as service providers involved in the automotive sector. In addition, this event provides networking opportunities with top executives, alongside conferences featuring highly notable industry leaders.
Included Services: Logistical assistance, including hotel block, in-country ground transportation, and translation/interpretation; Mission briefing and networking events; Matchmaking opportunities for up two days of individual meetings in Monterrey; entry and exhibitor space, as well as an agenda of individual meetings at Guanajuato Cluster Suppliers Forum.
Financial Assistance: Cost to participate is $2,500 per company and each additional representative is $500. Eligible companies may qualify for MI-STEP Grant funds to offset 50% of the cost to travel. For more information, contact your International Trade Manager or visit www.michiganbusiness.org/services/international-trade.
The deadline to register is September 30, 2019.
Click here for more details and to register.
Meet with the Michigan
Canada and Mexico Centers
Discover your company’s export potential in Canada and Mexico. Nancy Ward of the Michigan Canada Center and Silvia Alonso of the Michigan Mexico Center will be visiting Michigan on September 23-27, 2019. If you're interested in meeting with the representatives during their visit, contact your international trade manager or email export@michigan.org. Spots are filling up quickly so schedule a meeting today!
Travel dates and locations:
September 23 – Troy
September 24 – Port Huron, Afternoon only
September 25 – Grand Rapids, Afternoon only
September 26 – Grand Rapids
September 27 – Mt. Pleasant
While in Michigan, Nancy and Silvia will be speaking at the Survive & Thrive Business Exporting Conference in Port Huron, as well as the the Doing Business in Mexico and Canada event located in Grand Rapids. Meeting times are available in the afternoon following both events. See below for more details on these events.
Arab Health Trade Mission
January 24 - February 1, 2020
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
MEDC is once again sponsoring a Michigan booth at Arab Health, the largest gathering of healthcare and trade professionals in the MENA region. The 2020 edition of the event will welcome more than 4,150 exhibiting companies and 84,500 attendees from 160+ countries.
Why Attend? 41% of Arab Health attendees are key players from government entities and hospitals and 37% of attendees are dealers and distributors. In 2018, Ministers of Health came from UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and more.
Sectorization: New for Arab Health 2020 is Sectorization. In response to visitor and exhibitor feedback, show organizers announced they will sectorize Arab Health 2020 to improve and target traffic flow, fast track connections, increase better quality leads, and align with standard practices within the trade show industry. MEDC will sponsor a booth located within the US Pavilion in the Medical Device sector. Companies are welcome to exhibit within the Michigan booth regardless of product sector.
Included Services: Hotel accommodations, mission briefing, welcome reception, entry fee to Arab Health and company kiosk within Michigan booth in Medical Device sector, networking events, logistical assistance, and customized B2B matchmaking meetings.
Financial Assistance: Cost to participate is $5,000 per company and each additional representative is $1,500. Eligible companies may qualify for MI-STEP Grant funds to offset 50% of the cost to travel. For more information, contact your International Trade Manager or visit www.michiganbusiness.org/services/international-trade.
The deadline to register is October 4, 2019.
Register your interest to participate at export@michigan.org!
Partner Events
Basics of NAFTA/USMCA
Van Andel Global Trade Center
September 13, 2019
Grand Rapids
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The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has been renegotiated and the new United States, Mexico, Canada Agreement (USMCA) is awaiting ratification by the U.S. Congress. Businesses will need to continue to operate using the existing NAFTA rules while simultaneously planning for change to USMCA. Join us for this full-day seminar to learn more about the qualification process which will either continue under NAFTA or adapt new changes through the USMCA. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of the rules, regulations, and best practices in place headed into 2020. The program’s content will be adjusted based on the current status of the Free Trade Agreement between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. |
Survive & Thrive Business Exporting Conference
Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County September 24, 2019
Port Huron
Have you considered moving into foreign markets but do not know where to start? Has your current exporting strategy plateaued and is in need of revitalization? Exporting may seem challenging, however, this event will strengthen the knowledge and skills required for success in international markets. Attend the conference to learn more about promising export markets for your products, while meeting exclusively with MEDC foreign office representatives serving Canada and Mexico.
Click here for more details and to register.
Brand Protection Strategy Summit
MSU Center for Anti-Counterfeiting and Product Protection
September 24-25, 2019
East Lansing
Are you a brand owner looking to make connections in the fight against counterfeiting? Join us for a conversation on improving responses to product counterfeiting and protecting brands. Learn from best practices and case studies, shared by prominent industry and law enforcement leaders. This event is geared toward importers, exporters, and anyone looking to protect and expand their brand internationally.
Click here for more details and to register.
Doing Business in Mexico and Canada
Van Andel Global Trade Center
September 25, 2019
Grand Rapids
Mexico and Canada account for 62% of all Michigan exports. Our North American neighbors, and Michigan’s largest trade partners, recorded a total of $37.4 billion in trade during 2017. Due to the enormous export opportunities for Michigan companies to grow and develop in these markets, combined with an ever-evolving political landscape, it is important to keep up-to-date on the best practices for doing business in Mexico & Canada.
Join us for this event as we discuss Mexico and Canada's current business climate, negotiations and best practices for successful business deals, and free trade agreements
Click here for more details and to register.
If you need to reach Jacob you're welcome to email him at schroederj4@michigan.org
