Commerce RI planning trade mission to U.K.

RAYMOND W. Fogarty, director of the John Chafee Center for International Business at Bryant University, said that a trade mission to the United Kingdom is planned for September, and is being conducted to open up export opportunities for Rhode Island businesses. / PBN FILE PHOTO/ MICHAEL SALERNO
RAYMOND W. Fogarty, director of the John Chafee Center for International Business at Bryant University, said that a trade mission to the United Kingdom is planned for September, and is being conducted to open up export opportunities for Rhode Island businesses. / PBN FILE PHOTO/ MICHAEL SALERNO

PROVIDENCE – A trade mission to the United Kingdom will be held in September to help boost exports from Rhode Island, according to the R.I. Commerce Corp.

“It is critical for the state’s economy that we expand our trade horizons and increase sales of Rhode Island products and services overseas, especially to the U.K., which is one of our biggest potential export markets,” Raymond W. Fogarty, director, Chafee Center for International Business at Bryant University, said in a statement.

The visit to London and other key British regions will be held Sept. 19-25, will involve meetings for delegate businesses to increase export opportunities.

The trip will be led by Commerce RI in concert with the Rhode Island District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Department of Commerce.

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“The barriers to exporting, even for small- and medium-sized businesses, are reducing with technology and globalization, and there is plenty of support to help businesses look for opportunities beyond America’s borders. The SBA encourages Rhode Island entrepreneurs interested in expanding into global markets to explore the opportunity of this really important trade mission,” Mark S. Hayward, district director, SBA, said.

Companies from every sector are encouraged to apply for the trade mission. In particular, small- and medium-sized businesses are encouraged to consider the mission, as they often have the most immediate opportunity to grow quickly on export orders, according to Commerce RI.
Susie Kitchens, consul general at the British Consulate General in Boston, said the United States is the United Kingdom’s No. 1 trade partner.

“We are keen to promote more trade with Rhode Island. There are some great synergies and transatlantic business opportunities for firms who join this trade mission,” she said.

Commerce RI, with its partners, will serve as a guide throughout the trip, helping participating Rhode Island companies gain market insights in the U.K., solidify business strategies, and advance specific projects. The trip is funded through a cooperative agreement with the SBA.

In preparation for the mission, Commerce RI is hosting a “Market Overview and Opportunities in the U.K.” seminar on May 10 from 8-11 a.m.

Speakers will include Spencer Mahony, executive vice president, North America, OCO Global, and Kirsten Chambers-Taylor, consul and head of UK Trade & Investment, New England.

Rhode Island companies interested in participating in the U.K. trade mission or the May 10 event should contact Kathy Therieau, director of International Trade Programs at Commerce at ktherieau@commerceri.com or (401) 278-9139.

The Chafee Center, Commerce RI and U.S. Department of Commerce also are leading a trade mission to Canada next month.

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