Under Secretary Lago Leads First-Ever Women-Focused Trade Mission to the Netherlands, Portugal, and France
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 31, 2022
Contact: Office of Public Affairs
publicaffairs@trade.gov
WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Marisa Lago kicked off a trade mission to the Netherlands, Portugal and France to advocate for and expand opportunities for women in technology. The Women in Tech Trade Mission is the International Trade Administration’s first-ever women-focused mission and is part of the agency’s efforts to promote women’s economic empowerment initiatives across the nation and around the world.
Under Secretary Lago will lead a delegation of more than a dozen women U.S. tech executives and one state economic development organization in a 5-day trip comprised of tailored business-to-business matchmaking meetings, market intelligence briefings and networking opportunities designed specifically to support export ambitions for women in tech on both sides of the Atlantic. Throughout the trip, she will also meet with government officials, private sector stakeholders and industry associations to strengthen transatlantic commercial ties and to underscore the importance of equity and inclusion in supporting sustainable economic growth.
“The technology sector holds enormous potential to solve pressing global challenges and shape our 21st Century economy. In the United States and Europe alike, the sector can only fulfill its full promise if it nurtures the full range of available talent and ensures that success is shared broadly. It’s incumbent on public and private sector leaders alike to support and empower women in tech as they continue to occupy more corner offices and fill more seats at the table in this essential sector” said Under Secretary Lago. “This delegation of formidable, expert women represent the best of U.S. technology companies. I am delighted to lead them to three exciting European markets to boost transatlantic cooperation, catalyze new export opportunities and foster women’s empowerment in the industry.”
During the trade mission, Under Secretary Lago will meet with the American Chamber of Commerce in Amsterdam to further the EMPOWER HER initiative, a joint ITA-AmCham collaboration launched earlier this year by Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo to position women business owners for success in international trade. Under Secretary Lago will also highlight ITA resources for small- and medium-sized enterprises and technology startups at one of the world’s largest technology conferences, the Web Summit, held in Lisbon from Nov. 1-4, and participate in business roundtables with local industry representatives in the Netherlands, Portugal and France to discuss efforts in global diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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About the International Trade Administration
The International Trade Administration (ITA) at the U.S. Department of Commerce is the premier resource for American companies competing in the global marketplace. ITA has more than 2,200 employees assisting U.S. exporters in more than 100 U.S. cities and 75 markets worldwide. For more information on ITA, visit www.trade.gov.
