News Releases for March 2004
March 26, 2004
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North Dakota Trade Delegation Secures Contracts And Commitments In Japan
BISMARCK, N.D. - Lt. Gov. Jack Dalrymple and members of the trade delegation succeeded today in opening new markets and securing contract commitments with high-level Japanese businesses. After spending four productive days in Taiwan, the delegation is now pursuing export opportunities in Japan. Gov. John Hoeven organized the expanded Asian trade mission in response to an invitation from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO).
“Based on discussions with embassy officials and business leaders, Japan has never been more open to business relationships than it is now,” Dalrymple said. “Export barriers are coming down and deregulation is happening at a faster pace than ever before. That economic environment creates viable opportunities for North Dakota businesses.”
Delegation members representing North Dakota’s value-added agriculture industry had a productive day developing relationships and selling products. Dave Morken, sales manager with Unity Seed in Casselton, sold 1,000 metric tons of soybeans to Japan, in addition to the one container of soybeans sold to Taiwan.
Carl Peterson, president of Peterson Farms Seed in Harwood, has extended his stay into next week to meet with several Japanese soybean buyers who have requested appointments. The company specializes in identity preserved soybeans, and demand for such soybeans is on the rise in Japan.
“We’ve met with exactly the kinds of buyers we need to,” Peterson said. “I’d be surprised if business didn’t start to flow very soon.”
Nancy Allen, owner of Cannonball Buffalo Ranch and board member of the North Dakota Buffalo Association, met with representatives from SHINPOH International Foods, one of Japan’s largest specialty food importers. They requested a bid for one container of buffalo meat.
“Whether it’s soybeans, beef, bison or manufactured goods, the Japanese are very receptive to North Dakota products,” Dalrymple said. “We have begun to make real inroads in the Asian market. About two-thirds of our delegates have gotten either contracts or solid commitments.” Dalrymple has invited both Taiwanese and Japanese officials and businesses to visit North Dakota in the near future to further enhance relations.
North Dakota’s manufacturing businesses broke new ground today in their efforts to create new market opportunities in Japan. Gary Price, president of Cal-Dak Cabinets in Minot, will sign a three-year contract with a Japanese distributor this week to supply formaldehyde-free kitchen cabinets. The company also plans to bid on a project to build customized kitchen cabinets for a Japanese retirement community.
Cal-Dak has a competitive advantage over Japanese suppliers because it can supply cabinets more quickly due to testing backlogs with Japan’s new regulations.
Jim Carlson, president of PRACS Institute in Fargo, met with four Japanese pharmaceutical companies that are currently developing new healthcare product lines and are working to establish a U.S. presence. Carlson expects to sign at least two contracts for clinical trials as a result of these contacts, expanding the company’s pharmaceutical research market.
“The trade delegates have made progress in our objectives to open new markets and expand export opportunities for North Dakota businesses,” Hoeven said. “The progress we’ve made in Taiwan and Japan means good things for North Dakota.”
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