Business Oregon Director Embarks on Business Development Mission to Asia
Mission to China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Japan explores export growth, business expansion and builds relationships to grow business back in Oregon
(SALEM, Ore) — Business Oregon Director Sean Robbins departs for Asia Friday, Oct. 10 2014, to pursue business and export growth opportunities, continuing to leverage long-standing ties between Oregon and its trade partners within the Pacific Rim.
Approximately 490,000 Oregon jobs are tied to international trade with wages 18% above the Oregon average.
During the 12-day trip, Robbins will visit China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Japan where he will pursue opportunities to increase Oregon exports and meet with companies already invested here in Oregon, as well as those considering the state for future expansion.
Robbins will also join officials from the Port of Portland who will be in Asia as well, working to increase cargo services between Oregon and Asia.
"Oregon has a great story to tell abroad. Our mission is to champion that story and the innovation of Oregon businesses.
By doing that, we increase revenues for local companies, attract new international operations into Oregon and create jobs for Oregonians," Robbins said.
"The state's exports to these countries tops $6 billion, up 13% last year, and we are uniquely positioned to capture more of that growth if we get after it and relentlessly tell Oregon's story."
In Tokyo, for example, Robbins will meet with executives from five companies including the Nikkan Kogyo newspaper, a leading business publication in Japan, with which Business Oregon has been working to promote American expansion opportunities for growing Japanese manufacturers.
Earlier this year executives from the publication led a group of representatives from Japanese companies on a scouting trip to Oregon, which has already created several opportunities for potential investment here.
This mission continues a proud tradition of the state and its partners of connecting Oregon's economy to growing markets across the Pacific.
More recently, Business Oregon's export assistance grants totaling $594,000 have helped 170 Oregon small businesses achieve immediate sales of $21 million overseas.
Just this past April, a delegation of Oregon officials and business leaders traveled to Japan for a series of trade and business development meetings, and to deliver a "Doing Business in Oregon" seminar to local business executives.
