NDTO News Article

Trade Office organizes mission to Russia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine

The North Dakota Trade Office, in conjunction with the U.S. Commercial Service, invites North Dakota businesses to participate in a trade mission to the Russia Federation, Kazakhstan and the Ukraine Oct. 22 – Nov. 2, 2006 in an effort to increase the state’s export sales.

Russia, Kazakhstan and the Ukraine are all among the top 10 markets for North Dakota exports of machinery.  Research conducted by the Trade Office and Commercial Service shows that the three countries also offer high-demand markets for oil and gas equipment, aircraft parts, pollution control equipment, medical equipment, drugs and pharmaceuticals, computer products and plastics and rubber products.

North Dakota exports to Russia, Kazakhstan and the Ukraine have grown substantially since 2001. Between 2004 and 2005, exports to Kazakhstan grew by about 56 percent, exports to Russia increased by 205 percent and exports to Ukraine increased by 377 percent.

Just in the first quarter of this year, North Dakota has exported nearly $29 million in machinery to Kazakhstan – about $4 million more in sales than during all of 2005.

The Trade Office is identifying market opportunities and establishing business contacts prior to the mission. To find out if the Kazakhstan, Russia and Ukraine markets are a good fit for your business, contact the North Dakota Trade Office at: (701) 235-3638.