SALT LAKE CITY, UT, USA - World Trade Center Utah, in partnership with Team Côte d'Azur recently concluded a successful technology focused trade mission to the French Riviera. Representatives of Utah technology startup companies, retailers, city and local airport officials participated in Global Innovative City Conference and visited high-tech incubators, including Sophia Antipolis, arguably the most international spot in France where, on 2400 hectares 1,335 companies employing 31,500 people representing 63 different nationalities are doing research and development of their innovative products.

The delegation was introduced to the concept of a “Fab Lab”, an incubator for full proof of concept work and accelerators for proven solutions begin to scale. They also had the opportunities to meet with startup companies who are already taking advantage of benefits and services offered by the local government including legal, financial, real estate and more, and were briefed on the government subsidies that can assist in a “soft landing”.

The delegation participated in a reception organized by the Mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi. Eric Shaw, Director of the Salt Lake City Community and Economic Development department, presented at the Innovative City conference on the Salt Lake City Systems Integration. Additionally, Elizabeth Goryunova, Executive VP & COO of the World Trade Center Utah met with the President of the Chamber of Commerce of French Riviera Bernard Kleynhoff and discussed partnership possibility between their respective organizations. The invitation was extended to Mayor Estrosi and President Kleynhoff to lead a delegation to Utah in early 2015.

As a result of the mission, several potential collaboration opportunities are expected, for instance, French companies are considering Utah as an FDI destination and an entry point to the U.S. market, while Utah companies discovered resources that French Riviera offers in terms of R&D support as well as their successful entry to the European market.

Elizabeth Goryunova stressed the importance of WTC Utah partnership with Team Côte d'Azur and said “In order to succeed in a foreign market one needs expert guidance. It is equally important to ensure that relationship that you develop with partners abroad is mutually beneficial. This successful mission is a testimony to the great potential of our partnership with Team Côte d'Azur.”

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