2008 Ohio Trade Development Mission to Serbia and Hungary

When: November 3-7, 2008

The State of Ohio, in cooperation with the Ohio U.S. Export Assistance Centers- U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service, the United States Embassies in Belgrade, Serbia, and Budapest, Hungary, will host the first ever Business Development Mission to Serbia and Hungary, November 3-7, 2008.

This Business Development Mission is open to Ohio companies that are interested in utilizing Serbia's and Hungary's central European location to expand their markets into the newly emerging Balkans region and the European Uninion.

Are You Selling to Serbia? You Should!

Southeastern Europe offers many opportunities for US exporters and Serbia, strategically positioned as a transitional economy, is poised to surge economically and commercially.  Serbia now holds the promise of other previous transitional economies such as Poland and the Czech Republic.

As one of the largest markets in the region (8 million people), Serbia has undertaken an aggressive reform program with the intent to reestablish the country as a regional center and crossroads.

Key US exports: aircraft engines and spare parts, automatic data processing machines and parts, medical equipment, medicines, general consumer goods, general industrial equipment, mining and civil engineering equipment, etc.

• In 2008, Serbia began the process toward becoming an EU candidate nation
• Belgrade is a regional sales hub for the Balkans and Southeastern Europe
• In just the past 8 months, DuPont, Intel, and Xerox all established regional sales offices in Belgrade     
• GDP rose by 7.5% in 2007 and 8.2% in the first quarter of 2008
• Serbia has one of the highest English proficiency levels in the region  
• 2007 U.S. exports to Serbia reached $380 million     

Hungary- America's Business Hub to the EU!

Give us the opportunity to present the business case for Ohio companies to consider Hungary as their commercial hub in the EU.

• Hungary has attracted more that US$71.5 billion total in FDI since 1989, with the   U.S. accounting for nearly US$10 billion   
• EU membership increased infrastructure development, improved highways, telecom, the   electricity grid, and waste management  
• Hungary enjoys a well-developed financial sector and sound legal systems that contributed to its 4 percent GDP growth in each of the past three years.
• Hungary is slated to receive EUR 23 billion in EU funds over the next 7 years, offering outstanding opportunities for U.S. companies, either through their EU subsidiaries or through partnerships with Hungarian companies. 
• Ohio business executives and decision makers are invited to attend this event to learn why Hungary should be the focus of your expansions into the EU, Eastern Europe, and the Balkans.

Don't Miss This Opportunity- Beat Your Competitors to the Market!

If you are interested in attending this mission or wish to receive more information, please contact Sue Whitney at the Cleveland U.S. Export Assistance Center at (216) 522-4750 or fill out the questionnaire below.