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For Immediate Release: February 10, 2012
Contact: Mary Trupo (202) 482-3809
Obama Trade Official Leads Business Development Mission to Afghanistan
KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Francisco Sánchez, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, arrived in Kabul today on the Commerce Department’s first business development mission to Afghanistan. Sánchez is leading a delegation of representatives from 12 U.S. businesses from the construction, mining, agribusiness and information technology sectors seeking to play a role in the rebuilding of Afghanistan.
“I am pleased to bring these companies on this historic mission to Afghanistan,” said Sánchez. “We have a special opportunity to partner with Afghan government and business leaders to promote mutually beneficial economic growth and investment.”
The Afghanistan government is taking steps to develop its market economy, and increase both domestic and foreign private investment. It also continues to create legal and administrative regulatory structures that will lead to a market more conducive to trade, investment, and private sector development.
This mission will help U.S. companies explore long-term business opportunities in Afghanistan and enhance U.S.-Afghan commercial relations by providing participants with first-hand market information, and access to government decision makers. Additionally, one-on-one meetings with potential agents, distributors, and partners will allow participating firms to position themselves to enter or expand their presence in these sectors.
The following companies were selected for participation in the trade mission:
- Bell Helicopter Textron – Hurst, Texas
- Case New Holland, Inc. – Burr Ridge, Ill.
- Dynamic Defense Materials, LLC – Marlton, N.J.
- GE Energy – Fairfield, Conn.
- National Air Cargo – Orchard Park, N.Y.
- Navistar – Lisle, Ill.
- PepsiCo – Purchase, N.Y.
- Quality Pavement Repair – Alpharetta, Ga.
- Red Arrow Logistics – Seattle, Wash.
- Serenus Johnson Portables – Bay City, Mich.
- Think Renewables, Inc. – Annapolis, Md.
- TTi, Inc. – Rochester Hills, Mich.
The International Trade Administration’s (ITA) U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service has representation across the globe to help businesses start exporting, increase their exports, and find business opportunities in foreign countries. Additionally, ITA helps ensure a level playing field for U.S. businesses.
For additional information, please visit www.export.gov/trademissions and http://www.trade.gov/afghanistan/.###
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