AmerisourceBergen of Chesterbrook is one of 20 U.S. firms selected by the U.S. Commerce Department for a business development mission to Asia later this month.

The mission will focus on helping U.S. health care and energy companies increase exports to Japan and South Korea.

Peyton Howell, president of global sourcing and manufacturer relations for the firm, said it is an honor to have been selected by Penny Pritzker, secretary of commerce.

“In an effort to expand our global footprint, we continually seek opportunities to collaborate with peers and share AmerisourceBergen’s unique perspective on distribution and services to shape healthcare delivery across the globe,” Howell said.

During 2014 AmerisourceBergen has broadened its global reach through ventures with Profarma Distribuidora de Produtos Farmacêuticos S.A. in Brazil, World Courier in Australia, and opened an office in Bern, Switzerland.  AmerisourceBergen also acquired Herescon in Germany to expand reimbursement consulting services.

AmerisourceBergen says global growth remains a high priority for the firm.

Japan and South Korea are the sixth-largest trading partners for the U.S.

Japan has a $153 billion market for medical and health products, and South Korea’s total market for drugs and medical device products combined is roughly $21 billion. U.S. businesses are positioning themselves to provide innovative healthcare solutions in both countries, where there are focused efforts on improved treatments, health maintenance and better overall health.

“Throughout this trade mission, our American business leaders will help deepen and strengthen our commercial ties in the Asia-Pacific region, while also finding new markets for their goods and services,” Pritzker said.

Other companies joining Secretary Pritzker on the trip are:  Abbott Beautiful Earth Group, LLC; C3 Energy; Cargill; Cytori Therapeutics, Inc.; The Dow Chemical Company; Eli Lilly and Company; HPI, LLC; Humacyte, Inc.; Intuitive Surgical, Inc.; Marmon Engineered Wire and Cable; Medidata Solutions; Merck & Co.; Oregon LNG; Principle Power Inc.; Quality Electrodynamics; Spacelabs Healthcare; Varian Medical Systems; and Zilkha Biomass Fuels.

The mission will make stops in Tokyo, Japan and Seoul, South Korea.