8 PACIFIC BUSINESS PARTNERS JUNE 2023 |
Koror , Palau ( March 28 , 2023 ) - Five Guam-based companies traveled to Palau to showcase their locally-made products to distributors , wholesalers , and retailers as part of the first-ever Palau Trade Mission organized by the Guam Economic Development Authority ( GEDA ) and in partnership with the Western United States Agricultural Trade Association or WUSATA . WUSATA is a non-profit state regional trade group that promotes the export of U . S . food and agricultural products throughout the world from the western region of the country , including Guam .
“ I am excited to see that our local companies have the opportunity to share their culturally-inspired products with our neighbors in the region ,” said Gov . Lourdes A . Leon Guerrero . “ This inaugural trade
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mission will forge stronger business ties between Guam and Palau and support the growth of our regional economy .”
The trade mission provides opportunities for Guam-based businesses to secure potential retail and wholesale distribution agreements to increase their export activities in Palau . The participating companies include Denanche ’ Guam , Everything Guam LLC , Imari , Natural Being , and The Coconut Tree Company .
GEDA is providing additional support for the participating companies through the Guam State Trade Expansion Program , which is partly funded by the U . S . Small Business Administration .
On top of site visits and one-on-one matchmaking meetings with local Palauan businesses , the Guam delegation has been meeting with various government entities , including the Ministry of Agriculture , Fisheries , and the Environment ; Ministry of Human
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Resources , Culture , Tourism , and Development ; Ministry of Finance ; Palau Visitors Authority ; and members of the Senate and House of delegates .
“ The Palau Trade Mission is yet another opportunity that GEDA has created to encourage our local companies to expand into international markets ,” said Melanie Mendiola , CEO / Administrator for GEDA . “ We hope to continue developing other export opportunities throughout Micronesia and the larger Asia-Pacific region .”
Along with partnering with WUSUTA to co-host the trade mission , GEDA also collaborated with the Pacific Islands Small Business Development Center Network ( PISBDCN ), the Guam Unique Merchandise & Art ( GUMA ), and Concierge Palau .
“ Palau SBDC warmly welcomes GEDA and WUSATA during its first trade mission to Palau ,” said Ltelatk Fritz , director for Palau SBDC . “ The knowledge and experience being exchanged between Guam ’ s and our local businesses are critical to Palau ’ s recovery efforts .
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