12-member trade mission from US arriving in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - A 12-member trade mission from the US will arrive in Manila next week to explore trade opportunities with Filipino businessmen, and promote the state of Utah as an investment and tourism destination.

The US embassy yesterday said the mission, led by Brett Heimburger, director for Asia-Pacific of the Utah Governor’s Office for Economic Development (GOED), will be in Manila from July 15 to 17.

“The mission will likewise seek partnerships with Philippine traders in the sectors of plant nutrition, nutritional supplements, educator effectiveness training, student-learner skills development, medical infusion pumps, and wine,” the embassy said in a statement.

It said the mission will highlight Utah as a top investment and tourist destination. 

“Three times in a row, Forbes Magazine named Utah best state for business and careers, while Travel Away Magazine ranked Utah as one of top five most beautiful states in America,” the embassy said.

Utah has an AAA bond rating, and a low and flat five percent corporate and personal tax rate, according to the embassy.

In the past five years, the American Legislative Exchange Council named Utah as the best state for economic outlook, it said.

Aside from meeting with potential business partners in Manila, the Utah trade mission will meet with Philippine government officials, and officers of the American Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines.

US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. will also host a networking reception to provide an opportunity for the trade mission members to get to know industry and government contacts.

The State of Utah delegation is the third trade mission that the Commercial Service Philippines hosted this year.

Two more missions are set to visit the country. In September, the mission will focus on energy, energy efficiency, and environment. The following month, another delegation will arrive in Manila to focus on promoting US universities to the Philippines.