TAMUNING, Guam — Seven Japan-based businesses spent the week in Guam meeting island producers, part of a Japan Inbound Trade Mission hosted by the Guam Economic Development Authority in partnership with the Western United States Agricultural Trade Association to open export opportunities for Guam companies in the Japanese market.
The mission ran alongside the Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association’s Pacific Hotel and Restaurant Expo, known as PHARE.
The Japan delegation included importers, distributors, food manufacturers, restaurants and a culinary institute, accompanied by two local government representatives of the Shizuoka Prefectural Assembly. Site visits paired the delegation with Guam businesses to explore potential buyer-supplier relationships.
Participating Guam companies included Denanche’ Guam, Asiga, Everything Guam, Kingfisher’s Noni, Local Jerk Guam, The Coconut Tree Company and The Green Turtle Coffee. The delegation also took part in PHARE, which featured a product showcase for Guam businesses and a chef demonstration incorporating Guam food products into the menu.
“The Japan Inbound Trade Mission provides an opportunity for our Guam companies to showcase our unique, island-made products and prove that we can compete on an international stage,” said Gov. Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero. “The trade mission builds on GEDA’s initiatives in the past few years to target the Japan export market and support the growth and expansion of our local small businesses.”
“Our local entrepreneurs are Guam’s ambassadors to the rest of the world, sharing our culture through their craft and products,” said Lt. Gov. Joshua F. Tenorio. “The trade mission is yet another step closer to seeing our products on the shelves of retail stores and used by food establishments and families in Japan.”
WUSATA is a nonprofit regional trade group that promotes the export of U.S. food and agricultural products from the western region of the country, including Guam.
“I want to thank the Guam Hotel & Restaurant Association for providing a space for our companies to share their locally made products not just locally, but to the region,” said Christina D. Garcia, CEO and administrator of GEDA. “Participating in PHARE is part of our continued efforts to support our entrepreneurs and encourage everyone to Buy Guam.”
For more information, contact GEDA at (671) 647-4332.
