Gov. Bill Walker will lead a trade mission to China May 19 through May 26 in an effort to expand business in the country that has been the number one consumer of Alaska goods since 2011.
The governor will be accompanied by Shelly James, the state’s director of international trade, and Commerce Commissioner Mike Navarre, along with representatives of businesses selected from an application process with an April 2 deadline.
The state is seeking 10 to 15 companies to participate in the trade mission. Priority will be given to companies based in Alaska, or those with Alaska products, services or projects, including seafood, James said. Existing or developed relationships will have priority too in the competitive application process.
Last year Alaska exported $1.32 billion worth of goods, including $796.2 million in seafood and $64.6 million in fishmeal, product that employs thousands of harvesters in Alaska.
The state also exported $355.8 million in mineral ore, $49 million in energy, $48 million in forest products and $5.9 million in machinery.
Trade mission participants will be participating in high level meetings and meet with key decision makes to expand Alaska markets, meet potential customers, industry and government officials, the governor’s office said. The trade mission will also include networking events with industry and government representatives.
The $3,000 participation fee includes comprehensive meeting arrangements, itinerary and interpretation services, logistical arrangements, and ground transportation. Participants will be responsible for the cost of airfare, hotels, incidentals and meals.
Applications and additional information are online at https://gov.alaska.gov/services/office-of-international-trade/alaska-china-trade-mission/
