NC COMPANIES EXHIBIT AT GREEN EXPO IN MEXICO

By Tiffanie Taylor

Green business is a global phenomenon, and on Sept. 25-27, 2012, six North Carolina companies had the opportunity to travel to Mexico City for a prestigious international green business event.  Dankoff Pumps, Waste to Green, Nviroclean, Holocene, Environmental Solution Inc., and Progress Solar Solutions took part in one of Mexico’s largest trade shows, The Green Expo 2012, thanks to State Trade Export Promotion (STEP) funds awarded from the NC Department of Commerce’s International Trade Division (ITD).

Each of the six NC companies exhibited environmental products or service offerings—ranging from renewable energy technologies to electronic waste recycling services. Accompanying the companies were representatives from the NC Department of Commerce’s ITD division.  ITD works with small business clients to get them export ready and help them reach overseas markets.

Held at the Mexico World Trade Center, The Green Expo was projected to draw more than 8,000 attendees.  Exhibitors covered a wide range of environmental products—from solar thermal and solar electric panel companies to companies focusing on finance support for green projects. Other areas of focus were green roof projects, wind energy, lighting, green business consultants, and recycling. Companies ranged from very small start-ups to large corporations such as Mobil and Caterpillar, all of which see green opportunities in the Mexican market.

Mexico presents a strong market opportunity for NC companies with a green focus.  The Mexican government is funding many new sustainability initiatives, including renewable energy, green infrastructure, transportation and sustainable agriculture projects.  Its capital, Mexico City, has a 15-year Green Plan in place to address the environmental challenges associated with development in a metropolitan area of more than 20 million people.  Mexican officials who spoke at The Green Expo underscored the country’s commitment reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the use of renewable energy.

Mexico is a very accessible market, and for companies with a focus on sustainability it offers great opportunities for promoting green initiatives and products. To learn more about the NC Dept. of Commerce’s export services, visit http://www.nccommerce.com/it.

Tiffanie Taylor is an Export & Grant Program Manager for International Trade at North Carolina Department of Commerce.

Read more about Mexico’s green initiatives: Mexico’s ‘green growth’ revolution gathers pace, World Economic Forum blog, Oct. 19, 2012