Committee backs continuing Montreal trade office, discusses adding Southeast Asia presence funded by reversions

During drafting of its Appropriations letter, the Vermont House Commerce & Economic Development committee endorsed continued funding for the state's Montreal international business office and explored expanding trade-office presence in Asia.

Legislative counsel and members reviewed a $150,000 one-time request to continue the Montreal international business office for two years. A committee member proposed allocating $75,000 to establish an international business office in Southeast Asia or the Pacific Rim to support Vermont firms seeking global markets, citing the state's growing tech and semiconductor industry connections.

Several members said they would prefer to fund such efforts from existing reversion dollars rather than new general-fund appropriations. "I think the funding also come from the reversions from the Department of Labor," one member suggested. Other members expressed interest in clarifying how the state trade program aligns with sister-state and externally funded initiatives before finalizing language.

Why it matters: Continuation and expansion of trade offices aim to support Vermont exporters and attract investment, but members sought clarity on program purpose, overlap with sister-state initiatives, and sustainable funding sources.

Next steps: Committee staff will add language supporting the Montreal office to the Appropriations letter and note the committee's interest in a Southeast Asia presence while recommending potential use of Department of Labor reversion dollars.