For Immediate Release:September 16, 2008
Contact:Brittany Eck  (202) 482-3809

COMMERCE OFFICIAL KICKS OFF FIRST TRADE MISSION TO MONGOLIA

Goal of Visit is to Strengthen Economic Relations Between Trading Partners

WASHINGTON —U.S. Commerce Deputy Under Secretary for International Trade Michelle O’Neill kicked off the first U.S. trade mission to Mongolia, September 15-19, 2008. The trade mission is organized by the North America-Mongolia Business Council (NAMBC) and is hosted by the U.S. Embassy in Ulaanbaatar. Ten U.S. companies will have a chance to explore new opportunities in this emerging market and will gain firsthand market experience through meetings with key government officials and potential business partners.

“Mongolia's economy is continuing to grow rapidly, with a rate of 10.2 percent GDP growth in the first quarter of 2008. As Mongolia moves towards a free market economy, the country presents good opportunities for U.S. investors and exporters in a number of sectors, including educational services, mining, medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, construction, high tech, equipment and machinery,” O’Neill said.

The mission will help participating firms obtain market information, make business and government contacts, explore potential business prospects and solidify business strategies. The mission will include business-to-business matchmaking appointments with local companies, as well as meetings with senior Mongolian government officials and local chambers of commerce. The delegation will be comprised of U.S. firms representing a cross section of U.S. industries with commercial interests in Mongolia. As part of the trade mission, the delegation will participate in NAMBC's 11th Annual Investors Conference and Prime Minister's Roundtable, September 17-19, 2008.

For further information about the trade mission to Mongolia, please visit http://trade.gov.

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