International Trade and Diplomacy Office (ITDO

INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND DIPLOMACY

The International Trade and Diplomacy Office (ITDO) grows Utah’s economy by: • supporting foreign direct investment (FDI) opportunities in Utah through promotion of the state’s dedicated workforce and vibrant economy; • helping Utah businesses secure international business contacts and increase goods and service exports; • facilitating diplomacy meetings for the state and leveraging diplomatic contacts to develop and expand foreign markets for Utah .

FY 2016 Summary and Outcomes

Utah is a globally-minded state . According to U .S . Census data, Utah residents speak more than 120 languages in daily business . Our strong international ties serve as a bridge from the Intermountain West to the world . ITDO facilitates diplomacy for the state and leverages diplomatic contacts to develop and expand foreign markets for Utah . The partnerships and alliances developed through diplomatic relations are a key component to the promotion of Utah’s business community and the recruitment of foreign direct investment in the state . In FY 2016, the state of Utah hosted approximately 60 diplomatic visits, including, ambassadors and other high-level diplomats . Visiting delegations represented more than 30 countries, as indicated by the dark blue areas in the map below .

As part of the State Trade and Expansion Program, and in cooperation with the U .S . Small Business Administration, ITDO awarded matching grants to 52 companies for participation in international trade shows, trade missions or independent sales trips . Participating companies reported $3 .12 million in actual sales at these events in the FY 2016 period .

When attending international trade shows, companies have the option of exhibiting independently or joining a Utah booth hosted by ITDO . State-hosted booths help smaller companies establish a presence, find partners or buyers, and boost their visibility within their industry . In FY 2016, 24 companies attended six international trade shows as part of a Utah booth .

The participating companies represented a broad range of industries, including outdoor recreation and sporting products, aerospace and defense, information technology and software development, manufacturing, hardware and construction products, food products, and mining equipment .

Also in FY 2016, ITDO partnered with Zions Bank and World Trade Center Utah on three international trade missions . Utah companies who traveled as part of the trade missions represented industries including food products, hardware and construction products, real estate, manufacturing, information technology and software development, education and energy .

Participant Spotlight

Kaddas Enterprises—a second-generation, family-owned business specializing in thermoform plastic manufacturing—has joined GOED on a number of trade missions and trade shows and has tripled international sales since 2013 .

Most recently, in conjunction with the Hannover Messe industrial trade show in April, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Barack Obama invited CEO Natalie Kaddas to represent small business interests in international trade at a special event for some of the world’s top political and business leaders . Kaddas was able to promote a high-quality manufacturing business model and present American-made products as industry-leading examples .

Moving Forward

During FY 2017, ITDO seeks to: • focus on re-aligned geographic emphasis and create appropriate support infrastructure; • develop resources to mentor targets in identified clusters; • plan and execute targeted processes and activities that will accelerate FDI and exports, including the Global Cities Initiative, trade shows and trade missions; • continue leveraging key partner groups to widen the state’s FDI geographic net, drive leads, and provide a soft landing for international companies .

Visit business.utah.gov/international for additional information about International Trade and Diplomacy Office or contact: Brett Heimburger, Director, bheimburger@utah .gov or 801-538-8651