Businesses have until March 28 to register for May trip
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky businesses can still sign up for Governor Steve Beshear’s Kentucky Export Initiative (KEI) trade mission to the United Kingdom.
The deadline to register for the May 11-16 trade mission is now March 28. Numerous companies have already signed up, and only a few openings remain.
“This is a great chance for local businesses to explore global opportunities,” said Gov. Beshear. “Delegates will have the opportunity to showcase their products and establish deep connections within the European market.”
The trade mission will focus on increasing commerce and building business relationships between Kentucky and the United Kingdom. The KEI delegation will make stops in London and Manchester.
The visit will be KEI’s second trade and investment mission. Gov. Beshear led a delegation to Canada in June 2013.
The United Kingdom has the sixth-largest economy in the world, and with few trade barriers, it is a popular entry market into the European Union. Kentucky exported more than $1.8 billion in products and services to the United Kingdom last year, a more than 20 percent increase from 2012. Top exports include aerospace and pharmaceuticals products.
The trip follows another record export year for Kentucky in 2013. Exports of Kentucky-made products and services in 2013 totalled a record $25.3 billion. Kentucky exports to 198 nations, and the United Kingdom consistently comes in as the third largest destination for Kentucky products and services behind only Canada and Mexico.
Gov. Beshear created the KEI to bring together agencies and organizations to help facilitate international trade opportunities for Kentucky businesses. The KEI partnership includes the Cabinet for Economic Development and other government entities, business organizations and trade experts.
Companies interested in participating in the trade mission are encouraged to act quickly due to limited spacing. For more information and to register, visit www.kyexports.com.
Some companies may be eligible for grant assistance for business and export development services through the Bluegrass Economic Advancement Movement’s (BEAM) Kentucky Export Promotion program. More information on this program can be found at http://www.louisvilleky.gov/beam.
