Press Release
Clean Technology Trade & Investment Mission Announced by U.S. Department of Commerce
August 12, 2010
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085
U.S. Communities and Businesses Encouraged to Apply for Week-long Event in Lyon, France and Brussels, Belgium
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) and International Trade Administration's (ITA) Commercial Service today announced a week-long U.S. Clean Technology Trade & Investment Mission from November 29 - December 4, 2010, to begin in Lyon, France at Pollutec, a tradeshow that features the world's leading international exhibit for the environment and sustainable development markets. The trip will conclude in Brussels, Belgium where U.S. communities and companies will participate in a U.S. Embassy reception, NATO cleantech roundtable, and other networking opportunities.
"Export promotion is a top priority for the Department of Commerce and the Obama Administration, and this mission presents a unique opportunity to advance U.S. clean technology exports while also promoting U.S. communities as attractive choices for international investment in clean technologies,," said U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Brian McGowan. "EDA is pleased to collaborate with the Commercial Service on this innovative effort to advance the green economy and attract cleantech companies from around the world to do business with our nation."
"We are excited for the first joint ITA/EDA trade mission that combines representatives from local communities and U.S. companies interested in exploring clean tech and green energy opportunities in France and Belgium," said U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for International Operations Karen Zens. "This will be the first mission that concentrates on export promotion and foreign direct investment, both critical elements to support the NEI."
The U.S. Clean Technology Trade & Investment Mission will bring together a mix of U.S. community delegates and businesses within their regions to catalyze the process of connecting U.S. communities with opportunities to increase exports and attract foreign direct investment (FDI), with a particular emphasis on advancing the green economy and creating jobs in the United States. For more information, visit: http://export.gov/cleantechmission/.
Earlier this year, President Obama unveiled his National Export Initiative, an effort to help U.S. firms sell their goods and services abroad with a goal of doubling U.S. exports over the next five years in support of 2 million American jobs.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov): This year, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) marks 45 years of public service, with a mission of leading the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. EDA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that partners with distressed communities throughout the United States to foster job creation, collaboration and innovation.