Governor will report on trade mission Oct. 6

The World Trade Center Tacoma will be hosting a luncheon with Gov. Christine Gregoire on Thurs., Oct. 6 from 12 pm to 1:30 pm at the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center.. Gov. Gregoire heads a 56-person delegation, including the World Trade Center’s Corporate Development Director Beth Willis on an 11-day trade mission to Japan and China in September in hopes of opening more markets for Washington State products and services.

The luncheon will include a debriefing of her 11-day trade mission to Japan and China. Japan and China are the number 1 and 3 markets for Washington exports, respectively. International trade is the most important feature of Washington State’s economy. One out of every five jobs in our state is dependent on foreign trade.

Governor-led international missions are designed to spur economic growth in the state by creating new opportunities for Washington businesses and by encouraging two-way trade through the export of Washington products and services and in-bound investment and tourism to the state. Capitalizing on Washington’s competitive advantage in the global marketplace is an important part of the state’s economic recovery plan.

The event is a must for Washington State businesses that are already doing business internationally or are interested in international trade. Guests can register by calling the World Trade Center at 253-396-1022 or by email at info@wtcta.org. Day-of registration begins at 11:30am. The cost is $25 for Word Trade Center members, $30 for non-members and $35 day of event.