The USA Economic & Trade Tour is a premier business engagement initiative designed to connect African business executives with high-value investment, trade, and partnership opportunities in the United States.
Organized by The Legal Concierge USA LLC, this tour provides an exclusive platform for participants to explore U.S. market entry strategies, gain industry insights, and establish strategic business relationships across key sectors such as technology, finance, energy, manufacturing, and trade.
The tour will take place in Maryland and Washington, D.C., immediately following the SelectUSA Investment Summit, offering participants an extended opportunity to engage with United States government agencies, trade organizations, corporate executives, and investment promotion bodies.
Connect Your Company to USA Business Opportunities
Objectives
- Facilitate Business Expansion – Provide African businesses with direct access to U.S. investment and trade opportunities.
- Strengthen Strategic Partnerships – Connect participants with U.S. corporations, industry leaders, and policymakers to foster collaborations.
- Enhance Market Intelligence – Offer critical insights into U.S. trade policies, business regulations, and economic incentives.
- Promote Innovation & Cross-Border Collaboration – Encourage partnerships in high-growth industries to drive business expansion.
- Explore Industry-Specific Opportunities – Enable firsthand exposure to corporate headquarters, trade hubs, and business incubators.
Key Benefits for Participants
- Exclusive Business Engagements – Meet with U.S. investors, industry experts, and corporate decision-makers.
- Market Expansion & Investment Insights – Discover potential business entry strategies and investment incentives in the U.S.
- High-Level Networking – Build relationships with trade leaders, investors, and policymakers for business growth.
- Industry Site Visits – Tour corporate offices, innovation hubs, and trade zones for practical insights.
- B2B & B2G Matchmaking – Engage in tailored business-to-business and business-to-government meetings.
- Regulatory & Trade Guidance – Understand key policies, tax structures, and compliance requirements for foreign businesses.
Connect and Discover
Baltimore
Explore firsthand what new opportunities are out there and make the most informed business decisions possible.
Investment Opportunities
Washington D.C
Find the knowledge, connections, and actions necessary to make your investment plan a reality.
Who Should Attend?
Attendees should include representatives from any company that is actively considering locating in the U.S. market in the next 24 months. From the Global gateway soft landing program to a dedicated site selection and business attraction team, Maryland and Washington D.C are ready for companies of any size, anywhere in the world.
- CEOs, entrepreneurs, and senior executives exploring U.S. market entry and expansion,
- Investors and trade professionals seeking new business frontiers.
- Government representatives and policymakers involved in foreign trade and investment promotion.
- Industry leaders in technology, finance, energy, and manufacturing.
REGISTER NOW
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
Arrival Day: Arrive at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).
Innovation Maryland: Seminar hosting top speakers on market entry, government contracting, and financial assistance.
An intimate welcome reception designed to connect visiting companies directly with industry and government officials
8:30 AM Registration, light breakfast, and networking at Gaylord National Convention Center and Resort
9:00 AM Welcome and Introduction
9:05 AM Welcome to Maryland: Secretary Kevin Anderson, Maryland Department of Commerce
9:10 AM Maryland Business Breakfast Seminar. Maryland’s International Ecosystem: Jessica Reynolds, Senior Director, Office of International Investment and Trade, Maryland Department of Commerce
9:25 AM Market Entry for International Companies: Speaker TBC
9:40 AM Federal Contracting as a Foreign Company: Speaker TBC
9:55 AM Break/Business Breakfast Seminar Q&A Session
10:00 AM Accessing Maryland Resources Discussion (Maryland Company Experience: Speaker TBC)
Introduction to the assets Maryland has to offer all international companies
10:15 AM Maryland Workforce: TBC Maryland Department of Labor
10:30 AM Financial Resources: TBC TEDCO
10:45 AM Break/ Accessing Resources Q&A Session
11:00 AM Busses depart for lunch at The Hall CP restaurant, University of Maryland
11:30 AM Lunch at The Hall CP
11:45 AM Welcome to the University of Maryland
11:50 AM Lunch, networking
12:30 PM Walking Tour of the Capital One Tech Incubator – Sammy Popat, UMD Innovation s Entrepreneurships Ecosystem Catalyst
12:50 PM Bus Tour of Discovery District
Guided tour of the University of Maryland and its world- class facilities
1:40 PM Walking tour of University of Maryland, College Park facilities
2:30 PM Bus departs for Company Tour (company to be announced)
3:00 PM Tour of Innovative Maryland Company (to be announced)
4:00 PM Bus departs for Innovation Station Business Incubator at Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation.
4:30 PM Innovation Station Industry Networking Reception
4:45 PM Welcome to Innovation Station: David Iannucci, President s CEO, Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation
5:00 PM Tour of Innovation Station Business Incubator
5:15 PM Industry Networking Reception
6:00 PM Buses depart for Gaylord National Resort
Participants to break into groups based on their chosen industry sector.
Participants a series of meetings and visits with prominent companies and government institutions focused on their sector, promoting the wealth of assets that make Maryland & global lender in science &nd technology.
Industries:
- Life Sciences: Includes Biotechnology, Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices, MedTech, and more
- Information and Communication Technology: Includes Cybersecurity, IT, Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, robotics, and more
- Logistics and Distribution: With & focus on the assets that Maryland great for companies in any industry
COMPANIES CHOOSE ONE OF THREE TRACKS TO FOLLOW
Group 1 (Life Science)
Group 2 (Cyber/IT)
Group 3 (Logistics)
TRACK 1: Life Sciences
8:00 AM- Depart Gaylord National Resort s Hotel and travel to Innovative Life Sciences Company
9:30 AM- Tour of Innovative Life Sciences Company (to be announced)
10:15 AM– Travel to Downtown Frederick
10:30 AM- “Teste of Frederick” Walking Tour of Downtown
11:30 AM– Depart for Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc. (FITCI)
11:45 AM– Industry Lunch at FITCI
1:00 PM Agenda:
Welcome/Overview of FITCI,
Meet with FDA representatives s industry representatives
1:00 PM- Travel to Innovative Life Sciences Company
1:30 PM– Tour of Innovative Life Sciences Company (to be announced)
2:15 PM- Driving Tour en route to site visit
3:15 PM Host: Office of the Montgomery County Executive
Agenda: Federals agencies
Major life sciences companies Biotech office/lab space
3:15 PM- Tour of Health-Related Institute (to be announced) followed by reception
4:30 PM- Travel to Gaylord National Resort and Hotel
Track 2: Information Technologies
8:00 AM- Depart Gaylord National Resort s Hotel and Travel to Cyber Training Site Visit
10:00 AM– Travel, Walking tour of Merriweather District 10:45 AM- Tour of Technology Advancement Center
11:45 AM- Travel to Maryland Innovation Center (MIC)
12:00 PM- Industry Lunch at Maryland Innovation Center
1:30 PM- Travel to Cyber company site visit
2:00 PM- Overview and Tour of Cyber company (to be announced)
3:00 PM- Travel to Quantum or AI company site visit
3:30 PM- Overview and Tour of Company (to be announced)
4:30 PM- Travel to Gaylord National Resort and Hotel
Track 3: Logistics and Distribution
8:00 AM Depart Gaylord National Resort & Hotel and Travel to BWI Airport Air Cargo Complex. Agenda: Tour of Amazon
Tour of Southwest Cargo
11:00 AM Bus departs for Tradepoint Atlantic
11:30 PM Industry Lunch at Tradepoint Atlantic Speaker:
Eddie Resende, CEO, World Trade Center Institute
1:00 PM Tour of Tradepoint Atlantic
1:45 PM Bus departs for Major Company Site Visit (to be announced)
2:00 PM Tour of Major Company Location with discussion on logistics and distribution
3:00 PM Depart for Logistics Company Tour (to be announced)
3:30 PM Tour of Logistics Company
4:30PM Depart for Gaylord Resort
SelectUSA Registration 7:00pm -9:00pm
SelectUSA Registration 9:00am-6:00pm
Networking Meetings Open 1:00pm-5:00pm
Industry Spotlight: Energy 1:00pm-2:00pm
Investment Fundamentals: Unlocking Business Incentives and Grants at the Federal, State, and Local Level 1:00pm-2:00pm
Startup Workshop: Pitching Fundamentals Bootcamp 1:00pm-2:30pm
Investment Fundamentals: Optimizing Supply Chain Logistics in the U.S 1:15pm-2:15pm
Data Dive and Global Trends: FDI from the Middle East and Africa into the U.S. 1:30pm-2:00pm
Industry Spotlight Networking: Energy 2:00pm-3:00pm
Investment Fundamentals: Approaching Market Entry Strategies 2:00pm-3:00pm
Speed Networking 2:00pm-3:30pm
Data Dive and Global Trends: FDI from Asia and Oceania into the U.S. 3:00pm-3:30pm
Industry Spotlight: Food and Beverage 3:30pm-4:30pm
Investment Fundamentals: Understanding the U.S. Business Culture 3:30pm-4:30pm
Investment Fundamentals: Expanding Your U.S. Operations Strategically 3:45pm-4:45pm
EDO Peer-to-Peer Networking 4:00pm-6:00pm
Fundraising in the U.S.: The Differences between Angel, Venture and Strategic Capital 4:00pm-5:00pm
Investment Fundamentals: Site Selection – Choosing the Right Location for Your Business 4:00pm-5:00pm
Industry Spotlight Networking: Food and Beverage 4:30pm-5:30pm
Welcome Reception 6:30pm-9:30pm
Registration Open 7:00am-7:00pm
Breakfast Buffet Open 8:00am-9:00am
Plenary Session (Business Leader Panel) 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Exhibition Hall Open 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Networking Meetings Open 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Understanding Business and Investment Visas 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
AgTech Pitching Session 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)/Software Pitching Session 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Industry Spotlight: Critical Minerals and Advanced Batteries 10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m
Open Tech Pitching Session 1 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m
Data Dive and Global Trends: FDI from the Western Hemisphere into the U.S. 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
U.S. Government Programming 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Growing Your Workforce in America: A U.S. Department of Labor Overview of the Workforce System 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m
Industry Spotlight Networking: Critical Minerals & Advanced Batteries 1:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m
ICT Networking 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m
Lunch in Exhibition Hall 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m
CleanTech Pitching Session 1:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m HealthTech Pitching Session 1:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m
Data Dive and Global Trends: FDI from Europe into the U.S. f:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
U.S. Government Programming 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m
Open Tech Pitching Session 2 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m
Investment Fundamentals: Do’s and Don’ts from Successful Investor 1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Foreign Entrepreneurs: Parole as a Temporary Immigration Option 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Governor Panel 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m
Networking Reception in the Exhibition Hall 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
SelectUSA Registration Open 7:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Breakfast Buffet Open 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Plenary Session Business Leader Armchair 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Exhibition Hall Open 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Networking Meetings Open 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Industry Spotlight: Biotechnology and HealthTech 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
SelectUSA Resources and Data Tools for EDOs 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
U.S. Government Programming 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
U.S. Expansion Essentials Workshop 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
SelectUSA Presents, Emotional Intelligence Startup Founders Need 10:50 a.m. – 11:05 a.m.
Investment Fundamentals: Choosing the Right Legal Structures for Your Business 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The Future of FDI Attraction for Economic Development Practitioners 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Industry Spotlight Networking: Biotechnology and HealthTech 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m
SelectUSA Presents, The Power of Community: How to Network in America 11:40 a.m. – 11:55 a.m.
Lunch in Exhibition Hall 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
World Finals Pitching Session 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
FDI Value Proposition Best Practices for EDOs 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
U.S. Government Programming 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
From Launch to Maturity: How to ≤row and Scale Tech Startups into the U.S. Market 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Investment Fundamentals: Navigating the U.S. Visa Landscape 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
U.S. Government Programming 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Plenary Session Governor Session 3:30pm-4:30pm
State & Local Night Reception 4:00pm-6:00 p.m.
State & Local Night: After Hours 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
SelectUSA Registration Open 7:30 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Breakfast Buffet Open 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Exhibition Hall Open 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Networking Meetings Open 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Industry Spotlight: Semiconductors 9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m
Industry Spotlight Networking: Semiconductors 10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m
Washington DC: Exclusive event spotlighting the Washington DC Global Soft-Landing Program.
The event will include:
- An Overview of the Washington, DC Business Ecosystem
- A Tour of the Washington, DC Global Soft Landing Office Space
- A Chance to Interact with DC Government and Business Leaders
- A Q+A Session with Leading Immigration and Visa Attorneys
Industries: Aerospace and Defense, Business and Professional Services, Information and Communication Technology.
‘ Hear from DC officials on what mikes the city unique, and how your business can take advantage programs &nd incentives to help your business grow in the United States
‘ Tour of the Washington, DC Global Soft-Landing Space
‘ Tour the Washington DC Global Soft-Landing Program to learn more about how your company can be eligible for membership and reduced rents in a world closes office space just blocks from the White House
‘ Navigating the vis& process with The Build Fellowship: Hear from leading immigrations experts the Build Fellowship on how the GW x Penn West
‘ Global Build Fellowship can help you bypass the traditional visa lottery process through an innovative partnership with The George Washington University
‘ Walking Tour of Golden Triangle Neighborhood
‘ See how one of DC’s most storied neighborhoods, home to The Global Soft-Landing Program and world-famous institutions like The White House, World Bank, IMF and fortune 500 companies is a world leader in office to residential conversions.
Happy Hour or reception at The Square. Wrap up the day with a happy hour at one of DC’s premier food &nd beverage destinations.
*Visits are not yet confirmed. The final agenda will be customized based on specific sectors and participant interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
The USA Economic & Trade Tour provides a transformative opportunity for African businesses to explore global trade and investment opportunities, establish valuable connections, and position their enterprises for international growth. This tour ensures that participants gain practical knowledge, direct market access, and strategic business connections that can drive expansion into the U.S. market.
Kindly click the link to register: thelegalconcierge.org/africandelegate
April 1, 2025. Registration is required by the deadline.
Registration is required by April 1, 2025. Additional information will be provided once your registration is approved.
This fee covers attendance for the Nine (9) days economic tour from May 7th- May 15th 2025. This is also inclusive of the SelectUSA Investment Summit fee.
All Maryland events will be based out of the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. During the events, transportation will be provided to &nd from the Gaylord and to all the stops. All transportation to and from Gaylord to the designated hotels will also be provided.
Guests are responsible for their own local &nd international transportation to/from the various countries.
Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Sign Language
Exclusions:
Airfare to and from the destination is not included in the budget. Delegates are responsible for booking and paying for their own flights.
Transportation outside of the provided group arrangements (i.e., private rides, taxis, Uber/Lyft, etc.) is not covered. All intercity and local transportation will be arranged via the provided group buses and coaches.
Airport transfers to and from the airport are not included in the itinerary. Delegates will need to arrange their own transportation to the designated Hotel.
Any personal expenses such as souvenirs, optional activities, or additional meals outside of the scheduled program are not covered.
The event organizers are not liable for personal injury, loss of personal belongings, or damages incurred during the trip. Delegates are advised to arrange their own travel insurance to cover any unforeseen personal situations.
Participants are responsible for payment of their accommodation costs. Bookings will be made in the tour designated hotel at an extra cost of $200 per night. All accommodation arrangements must be completed and paid by deadline
Charges for room service, minibar, phone calls, or other personal services at the hotel are not included in the tour cost and are the sole responsibility of the delegate.
Alcoholic beverages are not included in the meals or tour budget.