Montana World Trade Center Named Community Delegate for U.S. Cleantech Trade and Investment Mission

Montana World Trade Center http://www.mwtc.org/ , a Program of the University of Montana, has been selected by the U.S. Department of Commerce to represent the State of Montana as a Community Delegate in the inaugural U.S. Cleantech Trade and Investment Mission http://www.export.gov/cleantechmission/ in France and Belgium from November 29 – December 4, 2010.

This mission, for the first time ever, brings together a mix of U.S. community delegates – representatives from U.S. states, counties, cities, towns, and regions – and companies within their regions. This collaboration will catalyze the process of connecting U.S. companies and communities with opportunities to increase exports and attract foreign direct investment (FDI), with a particular emphasis on advancing the green economy and creating jobs in the U.S.

The French and Belgian cleantech and green energy markets are among the most dynamic in the world, and major development projects are planned in these sectors. Their strong ties to the U.S. make them two of the world’s most promising markets for U.S. suppliers. With stronger European Union regulations and greater public awareness, the market for clean technology and green energy is ever expanding. Both France and Belgium are top markets for U.S. environmental exports.

To further facilitate export and investment opportunities to U.S. companies and communities in the French and Belgium cleantech and green energy sectors, senior Department of Commerce officials Karen Zens, Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Operations (OIO) of the USFCS and Brian McGowan, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic Development, will lead the mission.

This mission is especially significant as it includes both U.S. companies and communities. Companies will have the opportunity to promote their products and services while communities will have the opportunity to promote the competitiveness of their economic regions. This mission will advance job creation, export development, and foreign direct investment in the United States.

The France portion of the mission will take place in Lyon at Pollutec. Pollutec features the world’s leading international exhibit for the environment and sustainable development markets, featuring 2,400 exhibitors and 75,000 trade visitors from 110 countries, all in search of comprehensive solutions to today’s environmental and economic challenges. With the help of U.S. Commercial Service, the show serves as an excellent venue for community delegates to arrange discussions with international firms looking to expand their businesses in the U.S. Meanwhile, Pollutec is also a powerful venue for U.S. companies looking to establish or expand overseas distribution, generate sales leads, evaluate competitors, and to work with U.S. Commercial Service trade specialists to identify potential buyers and partners.

Following Pollutec, U.S. companies and communities will travel to Brussels, Belgium. This portion will include a U.S. Embassy networking reception, NATO cleantech roundtable, Nike Green Logistics Center visit, Invest in America Program, Ambassadors reception, and a luncheon with major Belgian companies.

The U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to accept applications for companies on a rolling basis until all slots are full. If your company is interested in participating in this one-of-a-kind opportunity, please contact Teresa Yung for additional information.

Teresa Yung

US Foreign and Commercial Service

US Department of Commerce

Tel: (202) 482 – 5496

Cell: (202) 264 – 0234

Fax: (202) 482-9000

U.S. Cleantech Trade & Investment Mission – http://www.export.gov/cleantechmission/