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Thirteen people make up the delegation representing Idaho businesses who are interested in starting, or increasing their relations with the Basque Country on a trade mission accompanied by Boise’s Chamber of Commerce.  The group was welcomed on Tuesday by the Deputy General of Bizkaia, Unai Rementeria, who announced that Idaho’s Governor, Butch Otter, will be joining them on Thursday, June 22nd, marking new milestones in the relationship between Bizkaia and Idaho. 

Bilbao, Bizkaia.   In his welcome remarks to the delegation from Idaho, Unai Rementeria confirmed that Bizkaia is the Bay of Europe, “the best port of entry to the European market.  With a large port that is connected to thousands of other around the world, and five airports in a radius of 200 kilometers.  We are a stable and secure territory,” he said. He also confirmed that next Thursday, June 22nd Idaho’s Governor, Butch Otter, will travel to Bilbao to hold meetings with the Deputy General concluding the trade mission.

Rementeria remembered his first official visit to Boise, in the summer of 2015, just after being named Deputy General, where he was able to meet with more than 90 businesses.  “Today is very special for Bizkaia and for me as well.  We have worked hard to get here.  My first official trip was to Boise, Idaho.  We met with the highest officials thanks to the Chamber of Commerce we were able to hold one business meeting after another.  We told everyone that Bizkaia was modern, industrial, and competitive and connected to the worlds.  It was a very important trip, but something was missing.  For you all to be here today, seeing Bizkaia with your own eyes, visiting our business, their technology, seeing their capabilities and professionality. We seek agreements that are mutually beneficial,” he explained.

The businesses who traveled to Bizkaia are dedicated to sectors of special relevance like Energy, aeronautics, transport, food and tourism.  They have taken this trip with very specific interest and a personalized agenda of meetings and visits with business that have shown interest and where there are opportunities for collaboration.  In addition to meetings with companies in their specific sectors, they will also visit other infrastructure in the territory such as the technology park, the port of Bilbao and the Bilbao Exhibition Center.

The Provincial Government of Bizkaia reminded us that they had also welcomed a group of leaders from the Governor of Nevada’s office Economic Development, who stressed the territory’s potential and its businesses in the electric and automotive sectors after several days of meetings not only with Unai Rementeria, but also with other companies in the territory.

The Unites States is a strategic market for the future of Bizkaia and its businesses.  Bizkaia is also becoming the focus of attention in areas such as renewable energy, automotive and smart grids.