University of Southern Maine

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Gubernatorial Trade Mission to France Kicks-Off with Evening Soirée at USM

August 3, 2005

Business professionals, state legislators, educators and others who want ideas on how to explore trade opportunities with the world's fifth-largest industrialized economy are invited to attend a France Soirée-a reception to kick off the 2005 Gubernatorial Trade Mission to France, from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, August 9 at the University of Southern Maine's Glickman Family Library on Forest Avenue in Portland.

A joint effort of Governor John Baldacci, the Maine International Trade Center (MITC), and the Forum Francophone des Affaires, the 2005 Gubernatorial Trade Mission to France, scheduled October 22-29, will provide participating Maine businesses and organizations with overseas business match-making, in-country market research, networking events, and trade opportunities. In the last four years, Gubernatorial Trade Missions have yielded over $18 million in projected international sales for Maine businesses.

To kick off this year's mission, the France Soirée will feature presentations by French Deputy Consul General Jean-Francois Laborie and Christine Gabrielle of Transformit Inc. on the topics of the Franco-American business and cultural linkage, and international opportunities for Maine's Creative Economy, respectively. MITC, the Maine Arts Commission, Forum Francophone des Affaires, and USM are sponsoring the event.

France is the United States' tenth largest export partner, with total U.S. exports to France reaching $21.2 billion in 2004. Last year, Maine exports to France totaled $18.5 million in 2004, an increase of 57 percent over the 2003 total.

France Soirée admission is $10 and registration is required. For more information or to register, please contact (207) 541-7455 or e-mail arledge@mitc.com. More information regarding the 2005 Gubernatorial Trade Mission to France may be obtained on the MITC website at www.mitc.com.

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