Countries such as Australia, Mexico, Argentina, Malaysia, and Brazil are becoming significant trading partners for lowa companies. These five countries, when combined, account for over 10 percent of lowa's 1996 exports of manufactured goods and were responsible for 16 percent of lowa's export growth from 1995 to 1996. The International Division of the lowa Department of Economic Development performs many functions to strengthen lowa's presence in the international marketplace. Offices in Des Moines, Tokyo, Japan, and Frankfurt, Germany work together to promote lowa products and services overseas, attract foreign investment into the state, and educate lowa business people on topics related to doing business overseas. The IDED also has contractual relationships in Hong Kong, Mexico City, and Seoul, South Korea.
Staff are available in each of the offices to counsel and assist lowa business people.
The primary goal of the International Division of the Iowa Department of Economic Development is to promote Iowa and assist lowa companies in promoting their products overseas. All Iowa companies are encouraged to take advantage of the Division's services and programs.