MDA to Lead Business Development Mission to Israel

JACKSON, Miss. (Press Release) — Representatives from the Mississippi Development Authority will lead a delegation of Mississippi companies on a business development mission to Israel from Sept. 14-19 this year.

The trip will focus on aerospace, defense and related industries and will include participation in the 5th Annual Israel Unmanned Systems 2014. This event will allow Mississippi companies to meet with several prominent Israeli unmanned aircraft systems companies. In addition, the event is designed to connect Mississippi businesses in these sectors interested in expanding trade and creating new business relationships with pre-qualified buyers in the Israeli market.

“This business mission is a great, cost-effective opportunity to promote Mississippi’s rapidly growing aerospace and defense cluster, as strong bilateral relations have fueled and reinforced significant U.S.-Israel partnerships in this important sector,” said MDA Executive Director Brent Christensen. “Mississippi companies with interests in the Israeli market are highly encouraged to participate in this multi-sector business development mission, during which they will be provided individual meetings with Israeli companies in their respective sectors.”

The U.S.-Israel Free Trade Agreement allows U.S. companies to export their products to Israel duty-free.

MDA works with qualified potential buyers, distributors and business representatives from Israel prior to meeting with members of the state delegation. MDA also works with Mississippi firms before, during and after the trip to help them best capitalize on the opportunities derived as a result of participation in the trip.

The U.S. Small Business Administration-funded Mississippi State Trade Export Promotion Program reimburses eligible businesses up to 50 percent of travel costs, including airfare and lodging, and up to 75 percent of business appointments with qualified buyers.

Space is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and early registration is recommended. The deadline to register is July 25. For more information or to obtain a registration form, please contact MDA’s Middle Eastern Trade Specialist Aggie Sikora at (601) 359-2952 or asikora@mississippi.org. Interested parties can also visit www.mississippi.org to learn more about the agency’s international marketing services and events or to request a consultation with an international trade specialist.