Planning in Progress 

by Kristen E. Humphrey, MLA, Local Assistance and Training Planner 

Did you know that our state has a network of foreign trade offices around the globe? Maryland already had offices in fifteen locations and countries, including Africa, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, India, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Peru, Singapore, Taiwan, and United Arab Emirates, before adding more this April.

Expanding Maryland’s global footprint, the Maryland Department of Commerce (Commerce) opened three new European trade offices, one each in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.  

These offices help Maryland companies explore overseas markets and attract foreign companies to the state: “Our goal is to not only help our Maryland companies connect with new partners and opportunities in Europe, but also to promote the state as an ideal location for European companies looking to establish a U.S. presence,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Kelly M. Schulz. 

Impressively, Commerce has opened the new offices within the existing budget, with the offices only being compensated on actual services provided to Commerce and Maryland companies. 

To learn more about the new offices and related programs, visit Commerce’s website.