Under Secretary Lago to Travel to Minnesota to Promote Global Export Opportunities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, September 7, 2023
Contact: Office of Public Affairs
Email: publicaffairs@trade.gov
Phone: 202-482-3809

WASHINGTON - From September 12-13, 2023, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Marisa Lago, will travel to St. Paul and Faribault, Minnesota. There she will meet with the local business community to discuss export and foreign direct investment (FDI) opportunities. She will also provide keynote remarks at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration’s (ITA) Building Bridges to Global Markets workshop, and at the International Trade Networking event hosted by Global Minnesota and the Minnesota District Export Council.

On September 12, Under Secretary Lago will meet several diverse local businesses, trade organizations and chambers of commerce. She will provide keynote remarks at the Building Bridges to Global Markets seminar at Metro State University in St. Paul. Later, the Under Secretary will deliver brief remarks at an International Trade Networking Reception hosted by Global Minnesota and the Minnesota District Export Council.

On September 13, Under Secretary Lago will travel to Faribault to meet with local municipal and county leaders to discuss exports and FDI opportunities in rural America. Under Secretary Lago will also visit local manufacturers and highlight the SelectUSA Investment Summit as a vital tool for rural communities to stay competitive as destinations for foreign direct investment.

Building Bridges to Global Markets, part of ITA’s Global Diversity Export Initiative, is a no-cost event geared towards small and medium-sized diverse businesses from traditionally underserved communities across the nation. The event will bring local trade resources to the business community, including information about the essentials of exporting; identifying qualified, vetted buyers and partners; and addressing common challenges faced by diverse businesses as they look to expand their sales internationally, such as trade finance and access to capital.

“I look forward to visiting with Minnesota entrepreneurs and business leaders to learn about their unique experiences and the challenges that they face in exporting,” said Under Secretary Lago. “I invite the local business community to explore the partnership opportunities through ITA’s resources, which have been designed to help historically underserved communities – including rural-led economic development communities like Rice County and Faribault – thrive and expand globally.”

About the International Trade Administration
The International Trade Administration (ITA) at the U.S. Department of Commerce is the premier resource for American companies competing in the global marketplace. Operating in more than 100 U.S. locations and 80 markets worldwide, ITA promotes trade and investment, assists U.S. businesses and workers to export and expand globally, and ensures fair trade and compliance by enforcing U.S. trade laws and agreements. For more information on ITA, visit www.trade.gov.