(Lincoln, Neb.) Gov. Dave Heineman today announced details for the state’s first reverse trade mission being held in two weeks. More than 125 guests from eight nations will be visiting the state to take part in an event that will bring the world to Nebraska.

Starting Wednesday, Sept. 10 and running through Saturday, Sept. 13, the event was devised to encourage international companies to explore opportunities for investment in Nebraska. In addition to events being held in Lincoln and Omaha, guests will have an opportunity to visit LaVista, York, Blair, Beatrice, Mead, and Columbus.

“The reverse trade mission concept provides an opportunity to encourage our international trade partners to explore Nebraska’s endless possibilities up close and in person,” Gov. Heineman said. “International trade and investment are crucial to our state economy. This event provides opportunities for international customers to see firsthand what Nebraska has to offer.”

The event is being sponsored by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), the Nebraska Diplomats and the University of Nebraska, with additional support from a network of 22 businesses and organizations. The reverse trade mission coincides with the annual Nebraska Diplomats’ Passport to Nebraska Weekend.

The reverse trade mission will provide international businesses the chance to meet with potential customers and explore opportunities for partnership with sourcing companies or joint venture partners. It will also showcase emerging technologies available for license in Nebraska.

Delegations from Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea are expected to participate. 

The event opens Wednesday evening with a reception and dinner for participants hosted by the Governor. Earlier in the day, Brazilian representatives will participate in a forum on transportation and distribution being hosted by the Nebraska Logistics Council.

Thursday, participants will take part in tours highlighting several of Nebraska’s growing industries, including: renewable energy, agriculture, distribution and logistics-oriented companies, research, and information technology, as well as the finance and insurance industries.

Those touring Nebraska’s agriculture and food processing industry will tour the ConAgra campus and Greater Omaha Packing Co. before touring the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Agriculture Research & Development Center in Mead, and UNL’s Food Processing Center.

The renewable energy tour includes visits to the Cargill ethanol plant in Blair, Katana Summit’s wind turbine manufacturing facility in Columbus, Abengoa Bioenergy’s pilot cellulosic ethanol plant in York, and the UNL Energy Science Research Center for a demonstration on hybrid drive train research.

Tours of financial and insurance companies will include visits to AFLAC, First National Bank, PayPal, and First Data Resources. Those interested in information technology will visit First Data Resources, the University of Nebraska Peter Kiewit Institute, PayPal, Information Technology Inc., and the Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science & Management at UNL.

Visitors interested in logistics and distribution opportunities will visit Omaha’s Foreign Trade Zone headquarters, Union Pacific Railroad headquarters, Werner Enterprises, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, as well as receive a briefing on the I-80 corridor between Omaha and Lincoln with members of the Nebraska Logistics Council.

Research and biotechnology stops will include visits to the Scott Technology Center, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and the UNL Biological Process Development Facility, which conducts research into development of pharmaceuticals and other therapies.

Thursday’s events end with a dinner hosted by the University of Nebraska. Friday opens with a breakfast hosted by the Governor and opportunities for meetings before a luncheon with the Nebraska State Chamber of Commerce.

The Nebraska Diplomats Weekend begins Friday afternoon, starting with a CEO Roundtable. Comprised of business leaders from across the state, the Nebraska Diplomats hosts the annual Passport to Nebraska Weekend to give business prospects from around the nation and world the opportunity to see the benefits of doing business in Nebraska.

DED Director Richard Baier said, “The reverse trade mission builds on the activities associated with the Passport to Nebraska event with tours and meetings tailored specifically to the interests of our international visitors and business contacts. Combining these two events means we have an opportunity to bring together many of the Nebraska businesses interested in expanding their international connections and the foreign businesses interested in what Nebraska has to offer.”

Additional information on the reverse trade mission is available online at http://www.WorldToNebraska.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Patty Wood, DED, 402-471-1559