AUGUSTA — Maine’s North Atlantic Development Office is putting together a trade mission headed by Gov. Paul LePage for companies interested in increasing business with the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The nine-day trade mission in September will feature “business meetings, group events, and unique cultural opportunities designed to help Maine companies expand their business development networks in these important markets,” according to the office.

Among the planned activities are the Leeds International Beer Festival in England, a “Maine and the UK” event in Parliament’s Palace of Westminster in London and the Taste of West Cork Festival in Skibbereen, Ireland.

The focus of the trip is on aquaculture, defense and security, food and beverage, information technology, life sciences and medical devices, and marine equipment and technology.

The cost of going along with the governor for the entire trip is at least $4,500, not counting airfare, train tickets and incidentals. It costs more for those who are not members of the Maine International Trade Center.

LePage has led trade missions to a number of overseas destinations during his two terms in office, including Japan, China and South America.

The trade mission to the UK and Ireland starts Sept. 5. 

scollins@sunjournal.com

Gov. Paul LePage will lead a trade mission from Maine to the United Kingdom and Ireland in September.