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From Delaware to the World:
Advancing Trade Through Missions and Strategy
| | It’s Time for Trade Missions | | Late April ushers in trade mission season and this year is no exception. Against the uncertainty brought on by the president’s tariffs, companies and organizations realize that face-to-face contact is more important than ever, to solidify old relationships and build new ones. | | |
The Export-Import Bank of the United States' annual conference was held April 29 and 30 in Washington, D.C. Nesrin Cakiroglu, director of operations and training for WTC Delaware, and I attended two days of workshops and plenary sessions. The Guyana Gas-to-Energy Project received the Deal of the Year Award. The companies involved are Lindsayca, CH4 Systems, Enerflex Energy Systems and ExxonMobil Guayana. Guyana's Ministry of Finance received the award with the companies. Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh said: "President Irfaan Ali's government and the people of Guyana value and cherish this [Deal of the Year Award] for multiple reasons. The project is truly a transformative one that affords Guyana the opportunity to double our electricity generating capabilities."
In early April, at the WTCA Global Business Forum, WTC Delaware and WTC Georgetown (Guyana) signed an agreement to collaborate on trade services to expand opportunities for their members. WTC Delaware has been invited to attend the grand opening of the WTC Georgetown building in October. Many Delaware companies will benefit from two-way trade and investment with Guyana, including bioscience, education, environmental management, fintech, agricultural technology and healthcare.
| | U.S.-Africa Trade Seminar | | |
New US Policy for the Expansion of US-African Trade and Investment
Timing is everything. The U.S. government has announced a major shift from macroeconomic aid policies to an emphasis on private sector trade in Africa with the launch of the Bureau of African Affairs Commercial Diplomacy Strategy.
This policy establishes guidelines that mesh with the “trade not aid” philosophy, emphasizing that trade creates lasting, sustainable economic growth for all, a tenet that aligns with the mission of World Trade Centers Association and WTC Delaware.
For years, we at WTC Delaware have encouraged businesses of all sizes to view Africa as a market for trade and investment. We have urged companies to seek funding from the state of Delaware to support trade missions to Africa and referred them to the World Trade Centers and other organizations for local assistance. Our programs with the Delaware Africa and Caribbean Affairs Commission, the Center for Global Africa, reverse trade missions with the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, and our yearly Kickoff to the US-Africa Business Summit have educated companies on opportunities and strategies to enter markets in the 54 nations on the African continent. Companies that have entered the African market have found it ripe for their products and services.
Under this new strategy, the U.S. government will:
- Make commercial diplomacy a core focus of our work in Africa
- Implement the top five market reforms identified by the private sector
- Enact key infrastructure projects in priority countries
- Conduct more State Department-led commercial diplomacy trips
- Connect a greater share of the nearly 300,000 export-ready U.S. companies and the $120 trillion U.S. capital market to the African continent
- Advocate for reforms to U.S. trade promotion, project preparation and financing tools to support U.S. companies
We welcome the government’s new attention to Africa. We will work with agencies and bureaus in Washington and Africa to help our companies expand trade and investment with Africa. The U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Angola in June will be the first, but not the last, opportunity for companies to meet with potential partners, customers and suppliers with help from the U.S. government. We will be there with our exhibition booth and look forward to the increased attention that businesses, especially smaller businesses that have not entered the market, will receive.
| | WTC Delaware U.S.-Africa Business and Investment Seminar | | |
We presented WTC Delaware’s very successful Opportunities for U.S.-Africa Trade: A One-Day Seminar for Anyone Interested in Expanding Their Business and Kick-Off to U.S.-Africa Business Summit on May 8. We learned from the diplomats, government officials, and business leaders from Africa and the United States about the best prospects for U.S. products and services in their countries and the resources available to assist U.S. businesses that want to sell to or invest on the continent.
I want to thank the speakers for their participation in this important event.
- Gov. Matt Meyer, by video
- Florizelle “Flori” Liser (President, Corporate Council on Africa), by video
- H.E. Ambassador Mohamed Siad Doualeh, Embassy of the Republic of Djibouti
- Tony Pu, International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service – Philadelphia
- Devon G. Mitchell, Delaware African and Caribbean Affairs Commission, Co-Chair -International Affairs and Trade Promotion
- Alcibiades Kussumua, President, Hybris Inc.
- Alison J. Germak, Deputy Vice President, Office of Health & Agribusiness, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation
- Fife BANKSTM, fimc, cmc, Managing Partner/CEO, BraveICONS Global, Nigeria
- Onyinye Queen Okpa, CEO, Denca Global Limited, Nigeria
- Edward Nkwegu Okereke, President, EDON Nigeria Limited
- Dr. Esther Kagure Munyiri (by video), Director, Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre – Eastern Africa (GTRCMC-EA); Kenyatta University
I would also like to express my gratitude to Delaware Secretary of State Charuni Patibanda-Sanchez for taking time from her busy schedule to attend and meet our speakers. The Department of State has the largest portfolio in Delaware and oversees everything from the arts to veterans while promoting the economy and economic development, including international trade and investment. Ajawavi Ajavon from the office of U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride also attended as did Tia Jones of the office of Monique Williams-Johns, President, New Castle County Council. A special thank you to David Opeyemi Oke, head of Trade Services, World Trade Center Abuja, Nigeria, who organized the Nigerian delegation’s participation.
Export opportunities in the three countries represented -- Djibouti, Nigeria, Angola -- are closely aligned with those in Delaware. These include energy, agricultural equipment and technology, healthcare, fintech, transportation (rail, air, sea, road), telecommunication, media and business services. Nations offer incentives for foreign investment in their countries with free trade zones, 100% repatriation of profits, and access to other markets. In Nigeria, significant outlay will be needed to develop resources such as metals and critical minerals, areas open to U.S. investment.
Across Africa, housing and tourism, including hotel construction, are primed for U.S. investment and collaboration. Our African speakers identified the need for additional or revitalized railroads and port capacity. Value-added manufacturing and technology are needed to reduce post-harvest agricultural waste to increase the amount of food for cross-border consumption or export. One promising area for collaboration is research to understand how indigenous herbs and foods can promote health and prevent or treat disease.
African companies also need help to meet U.S. import regulations and standards so that cargo is not returned, which has happened recently. They also want to increase the number of U.S. ports they use to reduce transportation time to consumers.
The U.S. government, through the International Development Finance Corporation, offers project funding and expertise to companies wishing to invest overseas. The U.S. Commercial Service provides databases and guides for companies to conduct market entry research, consulting services to help companies hone their marketing plans, and advocacy services for companies navigating foreign regulations and contracts.
The one-to-one meetings between panelists and attendees, as always, resulted in excellent trade leads and collaboration possibilities. Please tell me if you wanted to meet people but ran out of time and I’ll provide contact information. You can reach us at any time for information on topics covered or for referrals in the United States and Africa.
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We are one month from the U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Angola. WTC Delaware can showcase your company’s products and services in our booth and distribute your branded materials for a fee of $400. For more information, contact us immediately. To attend in person, summit registration is at usafricabizsummit.com/2025usafricabusinesssummit/registration.
Registration closes June 6, and onsite registration is not available.
| | Select USA Investment Summit 2025 | | This year’s Select USA Investment Summit finished less than a week ago and we are receiving follow-up and matching requests. Thank you to Delaware Prosperity Partnership for the invitation to participate in the booth. Megan Kopistecki of DPP is a star of trade show exhibition. Booth setup, staffing, material presentation and organization were perfect. WTC Delaware and Corporation Service Company have collaborated with DPP for several years. The three organizations presented one-stop shopping for visitors. Overall attendance seemed lower this year, but we were busier than ever. The foreign companies that attended were truly committed to investing in and opening operations in the United States. The No. 1 need was for information on incorporating in Delaware. With incorporation services well represented by CSC, we helped companies begin the process of becoming Delaware companies during Select USA. DPP provided information on siting, properties, research incubators, and tax and other incentives. Gov. Matt Meyer and Secretary of State Charuni Patibanda-Sanchez visited the booth Monday. (See group picture) Secretary Patibanda-Sanchez stayed all day Tuesday to meet with our foreign visitors. David Mathe, Delaware’s Director of International Development, also participated Monday and Tuesday. Diane Farrell, U.S. Acting Deputy Undersecretary for International Trade, visited the booth and spoke with Secretary Patibanda-Sanchez and me. | | |
WTC Delaware provided information on logistics and trade, including the attributes of Port Wilmington. Foreign companies were interested in limiting the effect of tariffs on products or components they need to import into the United States. Delaware’s Foreign Trade Zone #99 might provide the solution to reduce the effect of taxes and increase cash flow. Our location, midway between Washington, D.C., and New York City, with a well-established warehouse and distribution system and Port Wilmington is a further inducement to companies that want to base their U.S. operations in Delaware.
One of the greatest values of Select USA is the opportunity to attend events on the sidelines. This year I participated in a workshop presented by a delegation from Ireland hosted by WTC Dublin and WTC Washington. I also reconnected with the Romanian Embassy and the State Department officials responsible for that part of the world.
| | I met with over 60 visitors to Select USA. Look for referrals and requests for information in your inboxes. | | |
Delawarean Emmee Hahn, Managing Director, and Nasim Sadr-Fala, Operations and Strategy Director, announced the launch of the Oman Trade Office United States, a venture of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Washington, D.C. The office will fulfill the sultanate’s commitment to expanding trade and investment with the United States. The inauguration ceremony took place at the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center in Washington, D.C., under the patronage of His Excellency Talal bin Sulaiman al Rahbi, Oman's Ambassador to the United States.
World Trade Center Delaware was asked to organize a meeting between leaders of the OCCI and members of WTC Delaware, its board and the international trade community in Delaware. At the meeting, held at CSC headquarters in Wilmington, the Omani participants learned about WTC Delaware’s role coordinating trade and investment between Delaware and foreign nations. Information was shared on the role that the World Trade Centers Association plays connecting businesses, governments and organizations globally. The meeting was followed by a luncheon for company representatives and OCCI participants. Thanks also to WTC Delaware Board Member Ken Grant for contributing to the event.
| | WTC Delaware Premier Members | |
Learn more about Delaware Business Times
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DiSabatino Construction
DiSabatino Construction is a family-owned commercial construction firm committed to building lasting relationships through integrity, quality and service. With a mission to exceed expectations, the company delivers projects that reflect careful planning, craftsmanship and accountability. As one of the largest local merit shop construction organizations in the region, DiSabatino Construction serves a wide range of clients, including corporations, public agencies, nonprofit organizations and private owners. Its portfolio includes offices, medical facilities, laboratories, schools, industrial complexes and more. Now expanding its reach internationally, the company has joined World Trade Center Delaware to explore global opportunities, particularly in Africa, by leveraging its construction and real estate development expertise. Guided by values of honesty, respect, collaboration and safety, DiSabatino Construction is dedicated to creating spaces that serve clients and communities for generations.
Learn more: disabatino.com
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Dole
Founded in the early 1900s by James Drummond Dole, Dole has grown into a global leader in fresh produce, known for its commitment to quality, sustainability and healthful living. A major importer and exporter of fresh fruits through the Port of Wilmington, Dole offers an array of farm-fresh products, from pineapples and bananas to packaged vegetables and salads. The company emphasizes responsible farming, food safety and transparency in every aspect of its operations. With a mission to inspire healthful lifestyles, Dole continues to evolve while remaining rooted in its legacy of delivering nutritious, quality food.
Learn more: dole.com
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Today Media
Today Media Inc. is a multi-platform company specializing in regional lifestyle and business publications. With a strong foundation in content creation and distribution, it offers customized marketing solutions, including print, digital and event plans to help businesses reach their target audiences. Today Media partners with companies nationwide to deliver campaigns that inform, inspire and propel results. Its deep understanding of regional markets ensures tailored approaches that magnify impact.
Learn more: todaymediainc.com
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Reminder for Members:
Showcase Your Business at Upcoming Trade Events!
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A reminder to all members of WTC Delaware: we can take your marketing materials to upcoming trade events we are attending. This is a great opportunity to showcase your business to a broader audience.
Be sure to send any materials you would like us to distribute!
Check below for a list of upcoming events where we’ll be representing WTC Delaware and promoting your business, or visit our calendar!
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AAPI Heritage Month:
Reflection, Representation, and Resilience
Article by WTC Delaware Intern Harin Lee
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May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. It is a time to recognize the diverse communities that shape the United States and the influence of AAPI communities. First established in 1978 and expanded to a full month in 1992, it acknowledges the historical and ongoing contributions of people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent to American society (Library of Congress, AAPI Heritage Month). It is an opportunity to reflect not only on the past, but also on the present impact of AAPI communities.
Today, more than 24 million people in the U.S. identify as part of the AAPI community, reflecting a rich spectrum of cultures, languages and experiences (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020). From science and education to the arts and public service, AAPI individuals are a vital part of the country’s story and its future. Their presence across all sectors reminds us that inclusion is not just about numbers but about recognizing the depth and variety of experience that shapes our shared spaces.
As a Korean currently working in the U.S., I’ve seen both the possibilities and challenges that come with being part of this broad and diverse community. In many ways, our differences are what allow us to connect. Working alongside people from various backgrounds has shown me how valuable it is to bring our full selves into shared spaces. Maintaining cultural identity while contributing to a larger collective isn’t always easy, but it’s necessary. It is in those intersections that we find new ideas, mutual understanding and collaboration. Staying connected to our roots while engaging with the present helps us thrive both personally and professionally.
AAPI Heritage Month is a reminder that heritage is not only about the past, but about presence and participation. Whether you identify as AAPI or work alongside those who do, this month offers an opportunity to listen, learn and move forward together. Solidarity is reflected in showing up, sharing responsibility and contributing to workplaces and communities where everyone can thrive. It’s a timely opportunity to learn and recognize the contributions of AAPI communities.
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Happy 30th Anniversary
Mid-Atlantic Eurasia Business Council
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Congratulations to World Trade Center Delaware partner Mid-Atlantic Eurasia Business Council on its 30th Anniversary.
During this time, the Council has helped numerous companies from the entire region to successfully navigate the waves of Eurasia – US trade and investment. Under the leadership of its founder, Val Kogan, the organization has grown from its initial focus on a few countries across the entire region.
We are proud to have Val and the Mid-Atlantic - Eurasia Business Council as a partner and wish them a happy birthday and many more.
Mid-Atlantic - Eurasia Business Council - Events
| | EXIM Country Limitation Schedule Update | | |
The new Country Limitation Schedule (CLS) may be accessed on-line at: exim.gov/tools-for-exporters/country-limitation-schedule. The CLS and Cover Letter are also attached as PDF files below.
The CLS indicates where EXIM is "open for cover" and where EXIM is "off-cover." The "open for cover" designation refers to the possibility, rather than the certainty of EXIM support in particular cases. Where the CLS presents an X mark, EXIM is "off-cover," and is therefore not willing to consider approval of routine transactions. These "off-cover" determinations are due to economic and/or political risks associated with the country.
Where the CLS indicates support is not available, EXIM can still consider financing arrangements that eliminate or externalize country risk. Potentially acceptable transactions include structured transactions that earn revenues offshore in a country with no CLS restrictions and are held in a bank or trust account acceptable to EXIM; third-party support from creditworthy entities in countries with no CLS restriction; and asset-backed lease and financing structures involving equipment such as aircraft.
It should be noted that these exceptions do not apply in countries where EXIM is legally prohibited from operating.
For more information on the EXIM, please visit our website at exim.gov.
| | New Entry in DFC Environmental Applications Table | | |
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), the U.S. Government's development finance institution, has a new major project under consideration for DFC insurance, finance, or investment by DFC-supported funds for which an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) or Audit will be required.
DFC discloses non-business-confidential information about the potential impacts of projects under consideration that pose elevated environmental and social risks. This process aims to facilitate the ability of interested and affected parties to communicate concerns with respect to the project and potential impacts. Comments may be submitted to ODP@dfc.gov.
Public comments submitted to DFC as a part of the ESIA process will generally not be treated confidentially. Accordingly, consider the sensitivity of the information to be sent prior to submission (i.e., whether the submission potentially contains Personally Identifiable Information (PII), or is commercially sensitive). Consistent with DFC’s Environmental and Social Policy and Procedures, comments received on projects, including any comments received during public hearings, as well as DFC management’s response to those comments, will be publicly posted on DFC’s web site at least 7 days prior to presenting a project for approval.
Accordingly, further information is available below on the project:
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for Cambodia Airport Investment Co., Ltd. Project, Cambodia
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Open for Business:
U.S. Companies Are Ready for Paris Airshow 2025
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With more than 315 U.S. exhibitors and thousands of products and services, the hundreds of USA Partnership Pavilion professionals are ready to connect with you on Sourcehere.com. The site’s powerful search engine, messaging platform and delegation management tool are just some of features on the industry’s most sophisticated B2B digital directory available.
Sourcehere.com, the official digital directory of all USA Partnership Pavilions organized by Kallman Worldwide, is your go-to spot for exhibitor and product information. Whether you’re planning to attend the Paris Air Show in person or are logging on from around the world, now is the time to connect with leading edge of Aerospace and Defense technology.
If you are looking for industry-specific suppliers, potential buyers, partners, sales agents, distributors, or products, find what you need now at Sourcehere.com.
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WTC Delaware provides a full range of international trade-related services with an in-depth focus on the export/import of services and manufactured goods. These pages contain brief information on opportunities that could offer exciting possibilities for U.S. companies in various industry sectors.
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CHILE: Design, Construction & Maintenance of Desalination Plant
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ECUADOR: Engineering and Design Consultancy for Coca Codo Sinclair Hydroelectric Plant
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MOLDOVA: Waste Collection and Transport Vehicle Fleet Procurement
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MOROCCO: Upgrades to Rural Wastewater Treatment Plants
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SERBIA: Refurbishment of Jezero Water Treatment Plant and Construction of 3 New Facilities
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ALBANIA: Construction of Underground Electric Substation in Tirana
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TURKEY: Electrical Ground Support Equipment for 10 Airports
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BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA: Development of 13 Solar Photovoltaic Power Plants
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GEORGIA: New Ammonium Nitrate Plant and Energy Efficiency Upgrades for Rustavi Azot
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OMAN: Third Green Hydrogen (gH2) Auction Round for Large-Scale Renewable Projects
View the most recent trade leads here.
Delaware companies: Please fill out our trade leads form so we can market your products or services!
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July 16, 2025
World Trade Center Delaware Board Meeting
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The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation is America’s development bank, mobilizing private capital to advance economic development and address critical challenges in emerging markets. By providing financing, political risk insurance, and equity investments, DFC supports projects that create jobs, foster stability, and drive sustainable growth, all while advancing U.S. foreign policy and development goals.
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June 2-6, 2025
Asia Clean Energy Forum 2025, Manila, Philippines
June 9-10, 2025
USGLC | 2025 Global Impact Forum, Washington D.C.; U.S. Global Leadership Coalition
June 16, 2025
Mayoral Luncheon Hosted by NCCCC, Wilmington, DE; New Castle County Chamber of Commerce
June 23-27, 2025
2025 U.S.-Africa Business Summit, Luanda, Angola; Corporate Council on Africa
June 24-27, 2025
Asia Technology for Development Forum: Technology for Transformation, Manila, Philippines
July 7-11, 2025
INSPIRE Health Forum, Manila, Philippines
August 20-22, 2025
Global Economic Summit 2025: Asia - Pacific Driving Global Market, Mumbai, India
September 16-17, 2025
13th ADB Business Opportunities Fair 2025, Manila, Philippines
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Increase your visibility. Log into your membership account to update your industry categories and website link in our searchable Business Directory. It’s a simple way to raise your online presence and connect with new
clients and partners.
| | World Trade Center® Delaware is the state’s premier international business resource. We help companies, especially small, medium-sized and emerging enterprises, to grow their international business. We provide trade leads, training programs, job leads, networking, matchmaking, trade mission and reverse trade mission opportunities for Delaware companies. We serve all types of companies in various sectors including agriculture, environmental remediation, IT, medical equipment manufacturing, biopharmaceuticals, financial, legal and real estate services. For more information visit us at www.wtcde.org. | | Copyright © 2025. All Rights Reserved. | | | | |
