ISTEP Trade Missions (FY24-25) pdf
The Illinois Office of Trade and Investment (OTI) continues to actively offer opportunities to Illinois businesses interested in developing and growing their international sales. In this time of decreased international travel, OTI offers qualified Illinois firms virtual platforms to meet with interested foreign buyers. For the latest schedule, please click here or contact the International Trade Center at 618-650-3851 or International-Trade-Center@siue.edu.
Arab Health l Dubai, UAE l January 27 – 30, 2025
Arab Health in its 51st year, is the largest, and most comprehensive, healthcare exhibition in the Middle East and the second largest in the world. Over 5000 exhibitors utilize the event to launch or showcase new products and services. The event attracted 90,000 visitors from more than 120 countries in 2024. Most of the attendees were from the MENA region. The healthcare industry in the Middle East is valued at over $35 billion annually, growing at 7% per year. This provides tremendous opportunities for Illinois’ businesses.
Arab Health brings leading healthcare manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, tradesmen, organizations and professionals together with some of the most important and influential decision makers in the Arab world. Illinois companies from all segments of the healthcare industry will have the opportunity to showcase their products in one of the fastest growing and lucrative global markets.
Contact: Lauro Arias I lauro.arias@illinois.gov I 312-848 7580
Expo Manufactura l Monterrey, Mexico l February 11 – 13, 2025
With over 500 exhibitors and 19,500 visitors, Expo Manufactura is the most important meeting place for the manufacturing and processing industry in Mexico. Located in Monterrey, the center of Mexican manufacturing, this show will showcase the latest in manufacturing technology.
The growth of advanced manufacturing in Mexico, together with increased interest in product quality and productivity, are generating demand for diverse industrial materials, systems, machinery, equipment, tools and services.
Mexico is the second largest trading partner of Illinois. Illinois exports to Mexico totaled $121.9 billion in 2023. Illinois has the second largest machinery output in the U.S., making this trade mission an ideal opportunity for Illinois companies to gain market share in Mexico and Latin America.
Contact: Chris Sedgwick l chris.sedgwick@illinois.gov I 312-204-9480
Mobile World Congress l Barcelona, Spain l March 3 – 6, 2025
With over 2,700 exhibitors, MWC Barcelona is the world's largest annual gathering for the mobile communication and information technology industry. The 2024 edition boasted a record attendance of 109,000 visitors from 205 countries of which 51% were decision makers at director-level, or above.
This show presents a unique opportunity for Illinois' companies that manufacture mobile information and communication technology components and devices, as well as system applications and software developers, to launch new products to a global audience with a particular focus on cutting edge solutions for AI, 5G, IoT, blockchain and quantum computing.
Contact: Riccardo Navon l riccardo.navon@illinois.gov l 312-270-6747
SIAL Canada l Toronto, Canada l April 28 – May 1, 2025
SIAL Canada is Canada’s largest trade show for retail and foodservice trade. Over 20,000 Visitors are expected to attend with over 1000 exhibitors from nearly 60 countries.
Canada is the ideal market to target U.S. food exports with its proximity, common language, and similar culture. Covering every aspect of the Canadian food & beverage industry SIAL Canada provides the perfect platform for Illinois exporters servicing institutional foodservices, restaurants, or grocery.
Contact: Chris Sedgwick l chris.sedgwick@illinois.gov I 312-204-9480
Paris Airshow l Paris, France l June 16 – 22, 2025
Since its launch in 1909 the International Paris Airshow has constantly grown and remains the largest aerospace event in the world. It will provide an occasion to meet with all the key players in the aerospace industry, seize fresh commercial opportunities, present your expertise and innovations to the world, and form technological and industrial partnerships.
The show is the premier event for all the key players from military, commercial, and aerospace industries.
Riccardo Navon l riccardo.navon@illinois.gov l 312-270-6747
Indonesia, Malaysia Multi-Sector l Jakarta, Indonesia & Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | July 14–18, 2025
Indonesia is the largest economy in Southeast Asia, with a GDP of $1.3 trillion in 2023. It is the world's 4th most populous nation, with a population of 280 million. Indonesia's economy grew by 5.1% in 2023, and its GDP growth rate is projected to average 5.1% annually from 2024 to 2026, according to the World Bank. The country is located on one of the world’s major trade routes and has extensive natural resource wealth. Notably, it is currently undertaking the Capital Relocation Project, further enhancing its promising business landscape.
Malaysia is considered an easy and cost-competitive market for doing business. The United States is Malaysia’s third-largest trading partner, and U.S. exports of goods to Malaysia were valued at over $18 billion in 2022. Malaysia is an upper-middle-income economy with a population of over 34 million. U.S. products and brands are favorably viewed and enjoying a strong presence in many sectors, including technology, machinery, electronics, medical equipment, and franchising.
Contact: Kevin Kim l kevin.kim@illinois.gov l 312-833-3081
