The Maryland Department of Commerce is leading a delegation of six companies this week to Africa Aerospace & Defense 2018 in Tshwane, South Africa, the largest exhibition of its kind on the African continent. This is the second time Maryland has led a delegation to this biennial tradeshow, which attracts attendees from over 100 countries around the world.

The companies exhibiting at the show include ABSI Defense (St. Mary’s County); Avian (St. Mary’s County); Department 13 (Howard County); Encore Solutions (Montgomery County); Maxtena (Montgomery County); and Murray Corporation (Baltimore County). Five of these companies received funding through Commerce’s ExportMD program to travel abroad for the tradeshow. Additionally, each company is using the FlexEx program, through Maryland’s international office in Durban, South Africa, to set up business meetings overseas. Learn about these programs and other resources for growing globally online.

“Since our ExportMD program began almost 20 years ago, we have been able to help hundreds of Maryland companies attend trade shows, and connect with business partners and customers around the world,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Mike Gill. “As a result, many companies have been able secure new contracts and sales, which has led to increased revenues and new jobs.”

“Encore Solutions, Inc. (ESI) is honored to have another opportunity to join the Maryland Commerce delegation, which has helped us establish our footprint in foreign markets as we continue to grow our business internationally,” said Dr. Nicole Priester, president and CEO of ESI.

In addition to the five companies exhibiting at Africa Aerospace and Defense, nine other small and mid-sized Maryland companies have been awarded ExportMD grants to help promote their products and services in the global marketplace.