SECRETARY ROSS TO LEAD TRADE DELEGATION TO CHINA AND VIETNAM

SACRAMENTO, July 18, 2013 – Following Governor Brown’s successful trip to China in April, CDFA Secretary Karen Ross will lead an agricultural trade delegation to China and Vietnam from September 16-21, 2013, as part of the California State Trade and Export Promotion (California STEP) program. This mission will visit Shanghai and Ho Chi Minh City with the goal of providing export business opportunities and sales for California farmers, ranchers and food processors.

The California-China Trade and Investment Office in Shanghai, opened by Governor Brown during his trade mission, will play an important role for delegation members by connecting California businesses with Chinese counterparts interested in purchasing California products. The California-China Office of Trade and Investment provides in-market assistance to California companies and furthers foreign direct investment opportunities in California. 

California businesses participating in the trade mission will have individual meetings with foreign importers, briefings by U.S. agricultural officials, and visit wholesale/retail market outlets to learn about in-market distribution and sales formats. 

China is California’s third largest export destination for agricultural products, with more than $1.7 billion in exports. Vietnam currently ranks as the 12th largest export destination for California agriculture products, with exports valued at more than $196 million – a 43 percent increase in exports from the previous year.  On average, California farmers export globally about 25 percent of their production, generating nearly 115, 000 jobs and $21.6 billion in economic activity. Over the last 10 years, California has more than doubled the value of its agricultural exports. In 2011, California agricultural exports were valued at $16.8 billion.

This trade mission is conducted in partnership with the State Center Community College District, the California Centers for International Trade Development, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, and the California-China Trade and Investment Office.  Funding for this trade mission will come from a grant administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Companies interested in participating in the trade mission should contact the Fresno Center for International Trade Development at (559) 324-6401or visit www.fresnocitd.org

The California STEP program is funded in part through a grant award by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Funding is not an endorsement of any product, opinion, or service. All Federal and State funded programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Special arrangements for individuals with disabilities will be made available if requested in advance.

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