Hagåtña, Guam — Seven Palau-based businesses visited Guam this week as part of a Palau Inbound Trade Mission hosted by the Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA), giving local companies a chance to explore export opportunities to “our brothers and sisters in Palau.”
The mission was organized in partnership with the Western United States Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA), a regional nonprofit that promotes exports of U.S. food and agricultural products from western states and territories, including Guam.
“We welcome this growing partnership between our local businesses and the businesses from Palau to share our culture and Guam-made products to the region,” said Gov. Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero, commending GEDA for helping small businesses expand internationally. Lt. Gov. Joshua A. Tenorio said the administration is committed to helping local firms reach overseas markets and that he looks forward to “the deals and partnerships made from the trade mission.”
During the visit, the Palau business delegation met with Guam companies through site visits aimed at building buyer–supplier relationships. Participating Guam businesses included Asiga, Denanche’ Guam, Everything Guam, Kingfisher’s Noni, Local Jerk Guam, Natural Being, The Coconut Tree Company, and The Green Turtle Coffee. The delegation also joined the Guam Hotel & Restaurant Association’s membership luncheon, which featured a product showcase for Guam businesses and a chef demonstration using local food products.
“The visit from the Palau business delegation shows the continued and growing interest they have for our Guam-made products and is a result of the conversations we’ve started from previous trade missions to Palau,” said GEDA CEO/Administrator Christina D. Garcia, thanking GHRA for helping showcase local brands “not just locally, but to the region.”
The Palau delegation included Surangel and Sons Supercenter and Department Store, Stay Salty Palau, Long Beach Cafe, Driftwood Cafe & Bar, Baby Co. & Shop, and GnZ Cafe. The mission was led by Alessa Aguon of Concierge Palau, who has partnered with GEDA on several Palau trade missions. “This is only the beginning. We hope to be back again, Guam,” Aguon said.
