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The Montana World Trade Center Update

The MWTC http://mwtc.org/ worked with more than 100 companies in 2004 assisting them to take advantage of international business opportunities, as well as overcome the many barriers that exist (language, competition, currency fluctuations, screening potential buyers, legal, export documentation, shipping etc) with this endeavor. Over 96% of the world’s consumers reside outside US borders. Montana really needs to take advantage of all the opportunities today’s global economy has to offer!

As most of you know, trade missions play a critical role in the global expansion of Montana businesses. The MWTC often works with the US Department of Commerce’s Commercial Service (over 150 offices overseas!) in setting up one-on-one meetings with pre-screened buyers and distributors for participants.

Highlights of recent successes include:

· A July 2003 trade mission to Ireland and England attended by 8 delegates that resulted in millions of dollars of new export sales in 2004 alone.

· The Rocky Mountain Mining Companies trade show booth and trade mission to the Australian Mining Expo in Sydney during September 2003, which again resulted in sales orders worth millions of dollars.

· A March 2004 NZ/Australia trade mission. Attended by 22 delegates and held in conjunction with the opening of a Montana art exhibit in Missoula’s sister city, Palmerston North, New Zealand. Eight Native American tribes were represented, as well as other contemporary Montana artists. As a result, Native American craft products are being sold in stores that sell Maori crafts, serving as an excellent opportunity to strengthen ties between the indigenous peoples of New Zealand and Montana.

In December 2004, MWTC Senior Manager, Dr Fraser McLeay accompanied a group of Montana agriculture and business leaders on a trade mission to Australia and New Zealand, led by Senator Max Baucus. The delegates met with potential business partners and senior government officials, including the Prime Ministers of both countries. McLeay had meetings on behalf of several MWTC members who are now in the process of closing export orders. He also explored opportunities for further developing tourism between the three countries, which share a rich heritage and love for the outdoors. As a result, the MWTC is partnering with the Great Northern Town Center and Travel Montana to help Montana’s travel industry participate, for the first time, in the Visit USA Trade Show in Australia (February 2005).

Trade missions create relationships that help advance trade between Montana and the rest of the world. It was evident during this trip that Senator Baucus’s relationship with Australia played a major role in getting the best deal for Montana in the U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement. The relationships that were formed in New Zealand will allow Senator Baucus to promote Montana’s interests when the United States and New Zealand begin negotiating a free trade agreement.

We look forward to continuing to provide Montana companies assistance in “closing deals” by enabling them to participate in future trade missions. We look forward to another exciting year for MWTC members!

Montana World Trade Center

Gallagher Business Building, Suite 257

The University of Montana

Missoula, MT 59812-6798

You can also reach us at the following numbers:

Phone: (406) 243-6982

Fax: (406) 243-5259

[email protected]

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