Location
Seoul, South Korea
Tokyo, Japan
Dates
September 24-October 5, 2024 (includes travel days)
Fall 2024 Trade Mission to South Korea and Japan
The Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and WTC Utah invite Utah businesses to apply to represent the state on Gov. Cox’s trade mission to South Korea and Japan, taking place September 24-October 5.
The trade mission will consist of a tailored schedule of exclusive meetings with key government officials and business organizations, networking receptions, business-to-business matchmaking opportunities through the U.S. Commercial Service’s Gold Key service, and a few cultural activities.
The results? Expanded market access for Utah companies and increased investment, collaboration, and economic growth for the state.
For questions or concerns please email Nicole Earnshaw, manager of international programs: nearnshaw@wtcutah.com.
Industry Focus Areas
The delegation will be organized around three industry tracks. Utah companies and organizations in the following industries are encouraged to apply to join the delegation:
Manufacturing, aerospace, and defense
Life sciences and innovation
Financial services and fintech
These focus areas were selected to forge strategic alliances in the aerospace and defense industries, acquire a deep understanding of Japan and Korea’s regulatory sciences and innovation ecosystems, drive financial services investments, and establish new economic partnerships.
WTC Utah Participation Fee
The $4,000 participation fee per person includes local transportation, networking receptions, and most meals. Participants will separately cover their own airfare and lodging. Fees are due at registration and refundable until September 1, 2024.
Why South Korea and Japan?
In a recent meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, President Biden shared a noteworthy insight: Japan is the top foreign investor in the United States, and the U.S. is the top investor in Japan. Given the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region, Utah is ramping up collaboration in Japan and strengthening innovation ties in South Korea — an effort already being spearheaded through the University of Utah's Asia Campus and Utah’s sister state relationship with Gyeonggi-do.
Apply Today
Don’t miss this chance to be part of a transformative experience that opens doors to new markets, partnerships, and growth opportunities!
Applying to join the Trade Mission does not guarantee acceptance. All submissions will be reviewed, and attendees will be notified by World Trade Center Utah.
Grant Opportunities
Small businesses can apply for the SBA STEP Grant through World Trade Center Utah. Approved companies will receive funding to offset some travel and lodging costs. The grant can NOT be used to cover the WTC Utah participation fee. All grant awards require a 25% cash match by the recipient.
Please contact grants@wtcutah.com with any questions and for information on how to apply.
Returning for the second year in a row, Governor Spencer Cox led a trade mission delegation of 34 Utahns to Mexico to strengthen ties with one of our most important trade partners.