International Trade Programs and Services
The Mississippi Development Authority International Bureau fosters long-term economic growth, job creation and internationalization of the state's economy through the implementation and operation of comprehensive programs to provide international business assistance, export promotion and attraction of foreign investment.
The staff's international trade specialists work with private-sector firms seeking to export, while investment project managers work with foreign investors interested in establishing a business in Mississippi. In addition to the staff in Jackson, the division maintains a network of foreign offices. Select International Calendar of Events to see a listing of scheduled trade programs.
Export Development Seminars and Workshops
These statewide seminars provide information on topics of interest including market-specific opportunities for export promotion. The division also cosponsors workshops providing technical information on exporting and other aspects of international business.
International Catalog Shows
Catalog shows are the most cost-effective way to initiate qualified trade leads, test-market products and introduce new-to-export firms to a foreign market. Using your firm's product brochures, international trade specialists introduce products to potential distributors, agents, brokers and end-users in foreign markets. The trade specialists then provide detailed information on the prospective importer to the Mississippi firm. All appointments are pre-determined and qualified by the U.S. Embassy in the foreign country.
Market Research
The Mississippi Trade Data Bank maintains computerized statistical and market information on exports from Mississippi and the U.S. The MTDB also includes analyses of selected industry sectors, which are useful in identifying market potential and opportunities. Country files provide current political and economic information on specific markets. Division personnel will assist in assembling, analyzing and interpreting data.
International Trade Shows and Exhibitons
State assistance is available to participants in selected exhibits and trade fairs worldwide. The division also actively assists the U.S. Department of Commerce in recruiting companies for federally sponsored exhibitions.
Technical Assistance / Export Consultation
International trade specialists work with companies on an individual basis to assess export potential, marketing and sales development abroad. They will also provide information and continued technical assistance on all aspects of the export process.
Export Financing
As a participant in the U.S. Export-import Bank's "City-State" Program, MDA can ease your financial exporting concerns with a number of public and private resources including working capital guarantees, post export guarantees, direct loans to foreign buyers and insurance coverage on foreign receivables. For more information on the programs, please refer to our Export Financing Brochure.
Trade Missions / Gold Keys
State-sponsored missions allow exporters the opportunity to meet with prospective foreign buyers at minimal expense. Though the carefully planned mission do not guarantee sales, markets for all products represented are qualified before the participant is accepted. Gold Keys are in partnership with the U.S. Foreign Commercial Service and include:
- Customized market and industry briefings with our trade specialists
- Timely and relevant market research
- Appointments with prospective trade partners in key industry sectors
- Post-meeting debriefing with our trade specialists and assistance in developing appropriate follow-up strategies
- Help with travel, accommodations, interpreter service, and clerical support
Referrals
The division serves as the state's liaison with the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce, as well as for commercial representatives of foreign countries. The division also provides referrals for services or information required to conduct international business.
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For more information:
Mississippi Development Authority
Trade Bureau
P.O. Box 849
Jackson, MS 39205 USA
Telephone: 601.359.3155
Fax: 601.359.3605
trade@mississippi.org