Jackson, Miss. – Mississippi’s business exporters are invited to participate in a free workshop focused on increasing export sales abroad and reducing payment risk from overseas buyers.

“For Mississippi’s business leaders, navigating the world of international export markets can be a complex challenge,” said Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Glenn McCullough, Jr. “These workshops, which are free, can be valuable to Mississippi companies seeking to expand their business in foreign markets by learning best practices from experts in international business development.”

Representatives from the Export-Import Bank of the United States, Overseas Private Investment Corporation and the United Nations Procurement Division will present the workshops.

• EXIM Bank is a U.S. federal agency which creates and maintains U.S. jobs by filling gaps in private export financing. The bank provides working capital guarantees, export credit insurance and financing to help foreign buyers purchase U.S. goods and services.
• OPIC is a self-sustaining U.S. government agency which helps American businesses invest in expanding to emerging markets around the world. OPIC provides a variety of services and tools through financing, political risk insurance, advocacy and by partnering with private equity fund managers.
• The UN Procurement Division offers procurement opportunities for its peacekeeping missions – a $17 billion industry per year market sector with the U.S. accounting for more than 9 percent of that market share. The UN Procurement Division operates in seven sectors: health, consultancy, administration and operation, transportation, food and farming, construction and engineering peace and security.

The 2018 Mississippi International Finance and Procurement Opportunities Roadshow will be held Aug. 7 in Starkville, Aug. 8 in Jackson and Aug. 9 in Gulfport.

One-on-one meetings with presenters will be available to participating businesses. To see agendas for each workshop and to register, visit https://bit.ly/2z5zPTw.

The 2018 Mississippi International Finance and Procurement Opportunities Roadshow is hosted by the Mississippi Development Authority and the U.S. Commercial Service.

About Mississippi Development Authority

Mississippi Development Authority is the state’s lead economic and community development agency. MDA focuses on new business recruitment, existing business expansion, workforce training, and tourism promotion. For more information, visit MDA’s website at www.mississippi.org.