LANSING – Michigan businesses are invited to explore export opportunities at four Global Trade Days export events taking place in Troy, Lansing, Grand Rapids and Traverse City from Oct. 14-18.

Global Trade Days will include presentations from country market specialists from Canada, Mexico, China, United Arab Emirates, and Brazil, who will speak about doing business in those markets. These five countries are among Michigan?s top export markets, and they offer enormous growth opportunities for Michigan businesses:

Canada is Michigan?s largest export market, and Michigan is the no. 1 state in the U.S. for exports to Canada. Michigan companies exported $25.4 billion in goods and services to Canada in 2012, up from $23.4 billion in 2011.

Mexico is Michigan?s second-largest trading partner. Michigan is the No. 3 state in the U.S. for exports to Mexico, with Michigan companies exporting $10.5 billion in goods and services to Mexico in 2012.

Michigan companies exported nearly $3.3 billion in goods and materials to China in 2012, making China Michigan?s third-largest export market.

United Arab Emirates is Michigan?s ninth-largest export market, with Michigan companies exporting more than $753 million in goods and services in 2012.

In 2012, Michigan companies exported $692.6 million in goods and materials to Brazil, making it Michigan?s 12th-largest export market.

Attendees at Global Trade Days will learn about opportunities and trends in top export markets, assistance provided by Michigan Centers and foreign trade offices, success stories from participating Michigan companies and upcoming Michigan trade missions and events.

Business owners in attendance at a workshop can also request one-on-one meetings with the country market specialists. To schedule a meeting, contact [email protected].

The Global Trade Days event dates and locations are:

TROY

Monday, Oct. 14, 12:45 ? 5:00 p.m.

Troy Marriott Hotel

200 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084

Co-sponsored by Automation Alley

Cost: $25

Register online: https://www.regonline.com/globaltradedays

LANSING

Wednesday, Oct. 16, 4:00 p.m. ? 6:00 p.m.

Foster Swift Law Firm, 313 S. Washington Sq., Lansing 48823

Co-sponsored by Global Business Club of Mid-Michigan

Cost: $35

Register online: http://global.broad.msu.edu/gbclub

GRAND RAPIDS

Thursday, Oct. 17, 8:00 a.m. ? 11:45 a.m.

Grand Valley State University, 301 Michigan St., N.E., Grand Rapids 49503

Co-sponsored by Van Andel Global Trade Center

Cost: $20

Register online: http://www.gvsu.edu/vagtc/training-events.htm

TRAVERSE CITY

Friday, Oct. 18, 8:30 a.m. ? 12:00 p.m.

Black Star Farms, 10844 E. Revold Rd., Suttons Bay 49682

Co-sponsored by Northwest Michigan Council of Governments

Cost: $20

Register online: http://www.nwm.org/business/sustainable-business/global-trade-day.html