ST PAUL, Minn — Governor Tim Walz and state economic leaders are inviting Minnesota businesses to join them on a trip to Europe in the fall.
The governor and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) are organizing a trade mission to the Netherlands and Ireland in November.
The goal of the trip will be "growing Minnesota's exports of goods and services, showcasing the state as a top destination for business investment, developing new partnership opportunities, and strengthening existing ties," according to the news release.
The delegation will be approximately 35 businesses and organizations within these sectors: medical technology, food and agriculture, environmental technology and higher education.
DEED is accepting applications to join the delegation through August 30.
The governor and DEED leaders hope this trip will help the businesses find an international audience.
"Trade missions provide an opportunity to strengthen international economic ties and lead to direct investment in Minnesota. I am thrilled to lead a delegation to the Netherlands and Ireland to further strengthen the state's trade and investment relationships with these important international markets," said Governor Walz in the news release. "Both countries offer excellent opportunities for Minnesota companies to grow their business in Europe, as well as create new partnerships for the state."
The trade mission will stop at the countries' major business centers in Amsterdam and Dublin from November 16 to 22.
"Minnesota companies have a global marketplace, and DEED is committed to helping them find new customers and investment from around the world," said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek, in the news release. "Visiting Ireland and the Netherlands will help us establish new ties, strengthen existing relationships and benefit Minnesota companies, workers and the state's economy."
Governor Walz, DEED Commissioner Varilek, Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen and Minnesota Trade Office leaders will create the itinerary for the delegation as they meet with Dutch and Irish companies looking to buy goods. The Minnesota businesses and organizations in the delegation will receive "an extensive business agenda based on their industry sector, including market briefings, site visits, and networking events with business and government leaders."
The Netherlands is Minnesota's seventh-largest export destination with exports valued at $701 million. Ireland is Minnesota's eighth-largest export market for goods, valued at $688 million. In comparison, Canada, with $7 billion in exports, and Mexico, with $3.3 billion in exports, rank first and second, respectively, among the state's export markets, according to worldstoexports.com.
