The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development announced Thursday that the department will lead a trade mission to Mexico City July 17–20, that will focus on Tennessee’s automotive manufacturers.  Applications are due June 1, and are available at tn.gov/ecd/tntrade/trademission. The trade mission is part of the recently announced TNTrade, ECD’s initiative designed to help boost exports by Tennessee’s small- and medium-sized businesses. 

“The TNTrade program was designed to increase exports of Tennessee-made goods and services and help identify new customers and markets for companies in our state,” ECD Commissioner Bill Hagerty said.  “Fewer than two percent of Tennessee companies are exporting, and we are working to increase that statistic.  The Mexico trade mission will provide an excellent opportunity for Tennessee automotive companies to form new relationships and begin or grow their export efforts.”

Tennessee companies that are selected to participate will travel to Mexico City to meet with potential customers and partners through business-to-business matchmaking meetings. The participants will also attend the PAACE Automechanika 2012 trade show – Mexico and Central America’s most well-known automotive trade show. The show’s exhibitors include domestic and international suppliers and offers education and training, and network opportunities.

Companies invited to join the trade mission will be provided with lodging, in-country transportation and matchmaking activities. All companies selected are responsible for their own airfare to and from Mexico City.

For more information or to download an application, visit tn.gov/ecd/tntrade/trademission. 

TNTrade is a statewide initiative intended to support Governor Haslam's goal of making Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. The program is funded through a U.S. Small Business Administration State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) grant.

Aside from the upcoming trade mission, TNTrade offers small- and medium-sized companies across all sectors access to new markets through the Market Access Program (MAP). Click here for more information or to apply for MAP reimbursements of up to $5,000 per company. The program is funded through a U.S. Small Business Administration State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) grant.