INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND DIPLOMACY Expanding foreign business opportunities and fostering diplomatic relationships to facilitate international trade. The International Trade and Diplomacy Office (ITDO) assists companies in developing markets for their products and services in other countries. ITDO helps Utah companies understand the benefits of global expansion and provides assistance securing international business connections. It also helps companies as they master the process of exporting goods and services. Through increasing international trade and branding Utah globally. ITDO helps grow “The partner candidates Utah’s economy, create jobs and increase Utah’s international presence. identified (in the China trade mission) were outstanding. From among them we believe we may have found the right partner to support our entry into the market.” - KC Ericksen, President and CEO, Orbit Irrigation Products, Inc.
ITDO fulfills its mission in Utah by introducing Utah companies to international business, preparing Utah companies to work in global markets, connecting Utah businesses to international partners and developing an informed leadership and constituency for international trade in Utah. Internationally, ITDO recruits foreign investors, connects Utah businesses to global partners, touts Utah’s economic sectors and educates foreign audiences about Utah’s technological opportunities.
ITDO also serves as the state’s diplomacy advisor and leverages diplomatic contacts to develop and expand foreign markets for Utah. ITDO hosts dozens of foreign trade visitors as well as many foreign business representatives each year. Through developing partnerships and alliances, the state benefits from international promotion of its business community and attraction of international interest.
Highlights Asia Two trade missions were led to China in 2006, a country that has become one of Utah’s most important trading and educational partners. The Governor-led mission in October was industry-focused and included twenty companies/educational institutions that met with key government agencies, did matchmaking meetings with potential Chinese partners, and networked with key government and business leaders. Governor Huntsman also keynoted Utah’s first-ever tourism launch in China, and established a scholarship program between the University of Utah and Shanghai Normal University. Governor Huntsman also hosted an elite delegation of ambassadors and trade attaches from the Association of
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Governor Jon Huntsman Jr. and Shanghai Normal University Vice President Lu Jianfei sign Governor Huntsman International Scholarship agreement between the University of Utah and Shanghai Normal University, October 26, 2006, in Shanghai, China.
Governor’s Office of Economic Development • Annual Report 2007
