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Trade Missions Schedule
MEDICA l Dusseldorf, Germany l November 16 – 19, 2023
MEDICA has been the world's largest event for the medical sector for more than 40 years. In previous years it has attracted several thousand exhibitors from more than 50 countries and more than 81,000 visitors, including national and international experts and decision-makers from the sector. An extensive exhibition and ambitious program present the entire spectrum of innovations for outpatient and clinical care.
Ideal Candidates for the Trade Mission
Illinois manufacturers and providers of the following:
- Laboratory, diagnostic, cleaning and testing equipment
- Physiotherapy and orthopedic equipment
- Surgical implants and joint replacements
- Hospital disposables and consumer goods
- Educational materials and training equipment
- Information and communication technology
Contact: Riccardo Navon l ricccardo.navon@illinois.gov l 312-270-6747
Arab Health l Dubai, UAE l January 29 – February 1, 2024
Arab Health is the largest, and most comprehensive, healthcare exhibition in the Middle East and the second largest in the world. In its 50th year, more than 68,000 healthcare professionals are expected to visit with 3,400 exhibitors from 70 countries. Approximately 20% of all healthcare seekers are from the Gulf Arab states, with UAE patients alone estimated to be spending over $2 billion on medical travel every year. The regional industry is worth over $105 billion per year, providing tremendous opportunities for Illinois business.
Arab Health brings leading healthcare manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, tradesmen, organizations and professionals together with some of the most important and influential decision makers in the Arab world. Illinois companies from all segments of the healthcare industry will have the opportunity to showcase their products in one of the fastest growing and lucrative global markets.
Contact: Sam Ntum l sam.ntum@illinois.gov l 312-350-3792
Mobile World Congress l Barcelona, Spain l February 26 – 29, 2024
With over 2,400 exhibitors, MWC Barcelona is the world's largest annual gathering for the mobile communication and information technology industry. The 2023 edition had 88,500 attendees from over 200 countries of which 50% are decision makers at director-level, or above.
This show presents a unique opportunity for Illinois' companies that manufacture mobile information and communication technology components and devices, as well as systems, applications and software developers to launch new products to a global audience.
Contact: Riccardo Navon l ricccardo.navon@illinois.gov l 312-270-6747
Multi-Sector Trade Mission to Nigeria & Ghana l Lagos, Nigeria & Accra, Ghana l March 16-23, 2024
Nigeria is the most populated country and the largest economy in Africa, the 26th largest in the world, with over 200 million people and a vibrant and growing middle class that has an appetite for US goods and services. There are needs in all sectors of the economy. To continue spurring this growth, Nigeria is liberalizing its economy, promoting public-private partnerships, and encouraging strategic alliances in critical sectors of its economy. Nigeria is the key driver of international trade in the region and the gateway to 16 other countries. This is an excellent entry or growth opportunity for Illinois companies. Both countries are politically stable democracies, Nigeria being the largest democracy in Africa.
Ghana has one of the fastest growing economies in the world with relatively diverse and abundant natural resources. There are a myriad of opportunities in various sectors including agriculture, construction and infrastructure, education and training, mining and oil and gas equipment, cosmetic, rail, energy, healthcare, automotive and franchising. It is a young and fast-growing country, with a relatively high population growth rate of 2.2 percent. More than half the population (57 percent) is under 25 years old.
Contact: Sam Ntum l sam.ntum@illinois.gov l 312-350-3792
Multi-Sector Trade Mission to Australia and New Zealand l Sydney, Australia & Auckland, New Zealand l April 13-19, 2024
Over seven days, mission participants will attend group and customized one-on-one meetings with potential business partners. A successful trade mission lays the foundation for the identification and development of a platform for increased exports.
Australia is a top export market for Illinois-made products, ranking 3rd in 2022. Traditionally, Illinois has supplied transportation equipment, machinery, chemicals, electronic products, processed foods, and agricultural products and equipment to Australia. Today additional opportunities exist in defense, cybersecurity, medical equipment, and environmental technologies.
New Zealand's economy is primarily based on the production and export of agricultural commodities (dairy, meat, etc.) and the U.S. is her 3rd largest trading partner. Key items sourced from Illinois include, agricultural and food products, electronic machinery, chemicals, and healthcare products. As one of the few countries to have a zero-emissions goal enshrined in law, New Zealand organizations are motivated to invest in innovative technologies. Solutions that reduce costs and increase productivity, especially in sectors such as agriculture and healthcare, are in high demand.
Contact: Kevin Kim l kevin.kim@illinois.gov l 312-833-3081
Multi-Sector Trade Mission to India l India l April 22 – 26, 2024
As one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing countries, India’s dynamic and diverse economy presents numerous opportunities for Illinois businesses looking to expand their global reach. With a vast consumer base, pro-business policies, recent economic reforms, and a vibrant and ever-moving business environment, India attracts businesses across various sectors. In 2022, Illinois exports totaled $1.04 billion to India, a 35.4% increase since 2009. Strategic sectors include aerospace & defense, information and communication technologies, energy, and healthcare, with additional opportunities in consumer goods, automotive, manufacturing equipment, and financial services.
Success in this vast, diverse market requires market understanding, long-term planning, and practical state-by-state strategies. Joining our trade mission will allow your business to network, explore these promising prospects firsthand, and tap into India’s vibrant economy, and forge valuable partnerships.
Contact: Kelly Hou l kelly.hou@illinois.gov l 773-520-4300
Expo Pack Mexico l Mexico City, Mexico l June 4 – 7, 2024
Expo Pack is Latin Americas largest trade show dedicated to the packaging industry. The 2022 version had over 700 exhibitors with 19,700 professional buyers from 40 countries. The 2024 version should be even larger given the continued expansion of the Mexican packing industry.
Mexico imported over $102 million in packing machinery from the U.S. in 2022. This was an increase of over 23% since 2021. This year the Mexican packing machinery market is expected to grow at a rate of 5%. Factors driving this growth include the pursuit of environmental sustainability, automation, increased capacity, and greater productivity. As the second largest machinery producer in the United States, Illinois companies are in an excellent position to gain market share in the packaging industry in Mexico and Latin America.
Contact: Chris Sedgwick l chris.sedgwick@illinois.gov l 312-204-9480
Multi-Sector Trade Mission to Canada l Toronto & Montreal, Canada l June 9 – 15, 2024
The United States and Canada enjoy the world’s largest and most comprehensive trading relationships that supports millions of jobs in each country and constitutes a $1.5 trillion bilateral trade and investment relationship. In 2022, Canada accounted for 14.2% of all U.S. goods exports, and maintained as top trading partner. Currently, Canada and the United States trade over $2.5 billion in goods and services daily.
Canada is also Illinois largest export market, with $24 billion in sales going to Canada in 2022. Top exports include chemicals, transportation equipment, machinery, petroleum and coal products, food products, as well as aerospace and medical equipment.
Contact: Chris Sedgwick l chris.sedgwick@illinois.gov l 312-204-9480
Singapore Water Expo l Singapore l June 19 – 22, 2024
The Singapore International Water Week (SIWW)is a global premier platform to share and co-create innovative water solutions. The biennial event gathers stakeholders from the global water industry to share best practices, show case the latest technologies and tap into business opportunities.
SIWW 2022 convened over 11,000 global leaders from 65 countries, fostering collaboration on innovative water solutions. Discussions centered on vital themes like climate adaption, circularity, and decarbonization, aiming to share sustainable practices and spur innovation for a more resilient future.
Contacts: Edward Lee l edward.j.lee@illinois.gov l 773-415-8938
Multi-Sector Trade Mission to Mexico l Mexico City, Mexico l July 14 – 20, 2024
Mexico is the 14th largest economy in the world and has enjoyed stable economic growth since the 1990s. Mexico’s economy is expected to achieve steady levels of growth in 2024 and beyond driven by external demand and foreign investment. Last year, Illinois exported $11B to Mexico, it’s second largest export market. Top exports included chemicals, transportation equipment, machinery, petroleum and coal products, food products as well as aerospace, water technologies, and medical equipment.
Given Mexico’s large, diversified markets, most Illinois companies products and services have ample opportunities. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), provides additional trade benefits for Illinois companies. One of the key benefits for Illinois’ small businesses was raising the threshold for requirement of paying duties and taxes, benefiting those companies just starting to export.
Contact: Chris Sedgwick l chris.sedgwick@illinois.gov l 312-204-9480
Farnborough International Airshow l Farnborough, UK l July 22 – 26, 2024
The Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) is where the entire aerospace and aviation industry gathers to develop new relationships and renew existing ones. As the foremost meeting place of industry professionals in the aviation sector, this show is airshow is one of the world’s leading platforms for showcasing your business in front of a global audience. With 1300 exhibitors, 75,000 visitors from over 100 countries represented in 2022, no other event connects you with a such a range of industry players from around the world, all looking for new business opportunities.
This 4-day event is an exciting hub for the most diverse range of exhibitors and welcomes companies from core sectors across the aerospace industry. FIA 2024 will continue to place 6 key themes at the heart of the show: Space, Defense, Sustainability, Innovation, Future Flight, and Workforce.
Contact: Zdenka Samson l zdenka.samson@illinois.gov l 773-415-8945
Past Trade Missions