New York, USA (CMC) — New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a trade mission to the Caribbean in December this year, with at least 10 New York-based companies heading to so-far-unnamed Caribbean countries with the intention of launching and increasing exports within what she described as “this economically important region”.

“New York and the Caribbean region share many cultural, historic and economic ties,” said Hochul, noting that this is a growing market for New York state businesses and communities.

“This trade mission will strengthen those ties so New York-based businesses can build and grow deeper partnerships throughout the Caribbean and explore economic opportunities within its vibrant commercial markets that will benefit our economy and encourage job creation throughout the state,” she added.

Empire State Development President Hope Knight said Global NY’s trade missions, particularly to a region as important at the Caribbean, offer extraordinary opportunities for New York-based businesses to grow and expand by accessing new international markets for their goods and services.

“Empire State Development is doing everything we can to support businesses’ success — including focusing internationally — that, in turn, boosts our economy and creates more good-paying jobs for New Yorkers,” she added.

Hochul said the trade mission, sponsored by Empire State Development’s Global NY division, will organise events and meetings with local experts on key topics, such as trade and tax policy, to support the businesses’ success in the Caribbean.

The trade mission will also feature business-to-business (B2B) meetings for attendees with potential buyers and distributors, the governor said, adding that companies can apply to have part of their travel costs reimbursed through the Global NY State Trade Expansion Program (STEP).

Global NY, a division of Empire State Development, offers financial and technical assistance that can offset the costs of exporting for New York businesses and organisations looking to connect to the rest of the world.

Hochul said available support includes grants and loans to help qualified small and medium-size businesses seeking to begin or increase their global exports, and non-profit organisations that provide export assistance and trade education to New York state companies.

“By participating in our trade missions, New York businesses can create and reinforce global connections and partnerships,” said Global NY, adding that it is “committed to helping businesses sell their products and services in growing markets including Africa, Canada, the Caribbean, China, Europe, India, Israel, Mexico and South America”.