Minnesota, February 2011

On Thursday, February 17, United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk co-hosted the “New Markets, New Jobs” conference in Minneapolis. This was the kickoff of the National Export Initiative (NEI) Small Business Tour. Ambassador Kirk spoke at the Breakfast Plenary Session at 8:45 a.m. at the University of Minnesota. He discussed how the NEI and the U.S.-Korea trade agreement can help local companies export more goods and services to the growing Korean market in support of more Minnesota jobs.

Minnesota was chosen as the first stop on the NEI small business tour because 88 percent of all businesses in the state that sell products abroad are small- and medium-sized businesses. That is more than 6,000 local companies. During the conference, breakout sessions provided small business owners with practical information about financing and marketing resources to help sell their products and services in markets overseas.

Related Blogs:

Ambassador Kirk to Co-Host “New Markets, New Jobs” Conference

Weekly Trade Spotlight: Trade in Minnesota

Ambassador Kirk Highlights Importance of Small Businesses in Minnesota