Automation Alley to Host Trade Mission to China and Taiwan in May
Automation Alley, Michigan's largest technology business association, announced today that it is currently accepting applications for an upcoming trade mission to China with an optional visit to Taiwan.
The mission is scheduled for May 13-20, with an extension to May 24 for those interested in traveling to Taiwan.
Cities that will be visited in China include Beijing, Tianjin and Nanjing; the trip to Taiwan will include Taipei.
Targeted industries on the mission include advanced automotive and manufacturing; defense (for those traveling to Taiwan); cleantech and renewable energy applications (including environmental and pollution control technologies); electronic components and testing equipment; higher education; IT and information communication technology; and life sciences and medical devices.
"China has an extraordinary demand for high-quality American goods and services," said Ken Rogers, Automation Alley executive director. "We welcome the opportunity to take local companies overseas in an effort to acquire new business. Companies in China and Taiwan are extremely interested in expanding into Michigan to benefit from our highly-skilled and talented workforce. It's our goal to offer worthwhile opportunities that allow local companies to succeed in today's global marketplace."
Companies interested in attending the trade mission must be export-ready and conduct business in one of the industries previously noted. All Automation Alley trade missions include the U.S. Department of Commerce's Gold Key Service, which provides pre-screened, pre-qualified meetings based on a company's goals and objectives.
Automation Alley and U.S. Department of Commerce staff works closely to provide assistance to trade mission participants before, during and after the mission.
The cost for the China mission is $5,995 per person for Automation Alley members and $6,995 for non-members. For those interested in traveling to Taiwan as well, the cost to attend is an additional $1,995 for members or $2,995 for non-members. The price includes matchmaking meetings, hotels, rail transportation to destinations, airfare, business receptions, and some meals.
Previous Automation Alley trade missions have resulted in the creation of more than 730 jobs and $151 million in new contracts and sales for participating companies. In addition, Automation Alley has been awarded the Presidential "E" Award for Exporting, the highest honor the federal government can give to an American exporting company or organization for its successful trade mission program.
"Our trip was well worth the investment," said past trade mission participant Joy Tomlinson of Metalworking Lubricants in Pontiac. "The pairing of companies that were interested in doing business with us in China and Vietnam were excellent. In fact, out of the 12 companies I met with, we have opportunities to do business with 10. One of the most interesting and fruitful things I have done in my business career."
Participation is limited to 10 companies; the deadline to register is March 21. For additional information on the trade mission, contact Automation Alley's Resource Center at (800) 427-5100 or info@automationalley.com.
Additionally, Automation Alley is offering an event to educate interested participants on conducting business in China. The event, "China and Taiwan: Asia's Engines of Economic Growth," will be held Wednesday, Feb. 23 from 7:30 to 11 a.m. at Automation Alley's Troy headquarters, 2675 Bellingham. The pre-registration cost is $20 for members and $40 for non-members. The at-the-door cost is $30 for members and $50 for non-members. To register, visit www.automationalley.com.
The trade mission is sponsored by the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce and the Detroit Chinese Business Association.
Since its founding in 1999, Automation Alley has expanded to include more than 1,000 businesses, educational institutions and government entities from Detroit and the surrounding eight county region. Automation Alley promotes regional prosperity through entrepreneurial and exporting assistance, workforce development and technology acceleration.
