1. Webinar Series: A Basic Guide to Exporting
2. Webinar Series: Census Bureau’s Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) – In Spanish
3. Webinar: Caribbean Webinar Series: Bahamas
4. Seminar: Complying with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
5. Webinar: Financing Solutions – Top Strategies for Success in Today’s Global Markets
6. Webinar: Green Build and Renewable Energy Opportunities in Italy
7. Event: Dueling Tigers: China and India – Mega Market Opportunities and Challenges
8. Event: 4th Annual International Trade Conference: 2009 Topic: Selling to Medical East and North Africa
9. Event: International Business Association – Global Certified Trade Mission to India
10. Event Series: Green Build Road Show (five cities)
11. Event: Certified Trade Mission to Turkey
12. Event: Exports Live! Real Deals – Real Profits
13. Event: Access America – Build Your Client Base in China
14. Deadline for 2010 Exporter of the Year

If you have any questions about these initiatives, please contact your local U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist. To find the trade specialist nearest you please visit http://www.buyusa.gov/home/us.html

Webinar Series: A Basic Guide to Exporting

Trade Financing and International Payments
Date/Registration: September 23, 2009; 2:00-3:00pm EDT https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration.jsp?SmartCode=9Q9Z
Cashing In with U.S. Free Trade Agreements
Date/Registration: October 7, 2009; 2:00-3:00pm EDT
https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration.jsp?SmartCode=0Q03
Understanding Export Controls
Date/Registration: October 21, 2009; 2:00-3:00pm EDT
https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration.jsp?SmartCode=0Q02
Finding International Partners and Conducting Due Diligence
Date/Registration: November 4, 2009; 2:00-3:00pm EST
https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration.jsp?SmartCode=0Q04
Understanding Documentation
Date/Registration: November 18, 2009; 2:00-3:00pm EST
https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration.jsp?SmartCode=0Q05
Protecting Your Intellectual Property Rights
Date/Registration: December 2, 2009; 2:00-3:00pm EST
https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration.jsp?SmartCode=0Q06
Learn valuable skills for growing your business by selling to international buyers. Based on the popular, newly-updated in 2008 Department of Commerce book, “A Basic Guide to Exporting”. Register now for one or the complete series of seven interactive and authoritative sessions. Register now for two or more webinars and get a complimentary copy of the official guide to exporting.
 
Presented in Spanish by U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Division staff, learn about the harmonized system, useful classification tools, general rules of interpretations and the Schedule B Manual. A question and answer session will follow the presentation. For more information, contact Linda.Abbruzzese@mail.doc.gov

This special online webinar presents exporting to The Bahamas, where the U.S. is the second largest trading partner. U.S. companies will learn about The Bahamas’ stable market, key industry sectors, legal aspects of doing business, as well as growth trends of the market in one of our closest developing neighbors. The featured speaker will be Robert Jones, U.S. Commercial Counselor for the Caribbean Region in this fourth in our series of five Caribbean webinars. For more information, contact Linda.Abbruzzese@mail.doc.gov

Seminar: Complying with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
Venue: San Jose, California
Date: September 29, 2009
Learn more/register:https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration.jsp?SmartCode=9Q9Y

Attend this one-day seminar to demystifying ITAR and learn how ITAR affects your export sales and if your company is doing what it should to comply. Agenda includes an overview of ITAR’s players, policies, and processes, as well as insight into minimizing liabilities and risk for you and your organization. Experts will share their experiences, best practices and guidance on how to successfully navigate the ITAR minefield. Your registration also includes a free, one-hour consultation with representatives from JP Morgan, McKenna, Long and Aldridge, LLP, and U.S. Department of Commerce trade specialists, on a space-available basis. For more information contact: Amy.Zobrist@mail.doc.gov

To succeed in today’s global markets, having access to financing and risk mitigation solutions is more important than ever. The U.S. Commercial Service, in collaboration with Comerica Bank and the Export-Import Bank of the United States, brings to you an insightful webinar on trade finance solutions to help you optimize working capital, mitigate key risks, reduce costs and simplify the trade process. Topics to be covered in this webinar are the following: An overview of the domestic and international economic conditions, trends and opportunities, financing solutions, and keys to success in export financing. A question and answer session will follow after the presentation. This webinar is for all U.S. companies: new to market and increased to market. For more information, contact Linda.Abbruzzese@mail.doc.gov

Learn about trends in the green building and renewable energy market in Italy from leading Italian experts, and events and services to support market entry. Learn about market trends, regulations, standards, and emerging opportunities from experts in the field of green building and renewable energy in Italy. The European Union has mandated increased energy efficiency in buildings and a target of using renewables for 20 percent of energy needs by 2020. Italian law, local building codes, and the high cost of conventional energy are providing the impetus for the increased use of green technologies. The U.S. Commercial Service in Italy offers an array of services and events designed to help U.S. companies enter this growth market. A live question and answer session follows the presentation. For more information contact Deborah.Doherty@mail.doc.gov

China and India are two of the world’s fastest growing economies. But how do you determine which holds the best opportunities, and in which you should invest your time and resources? Join the U.S. Commercial Service and China Business Information Center staff for best-practices on strategies for market-entry; protecting your Intellectual Property Rights; finding, vetting, and appointing local partners; trade finance; and comparative advantages and disadvantages between these two mega markets. For more information, contact William.Lawton@mail.doc.gov
 
Experts from the U.S. Department of Commerce (U.S. Commercial Service, Middle East-North Africa Business Information Center, and Market Access and Compliance); USTR; U.S.-Saudi Business Council; FedEx; Procter and Gamble; and selected companies (covering legal, financial, and regulatory considerations) will provide you with the tools you need to capitalize on opportunities in this dynamic region of the world. For more information, contact Marcia.Brandstadt@mail.doc.gov

The International Business Association–Global (IBAGlobal) is organizing a Certified Trade Mission to Indonesia (with proposed stops in Jakarta, Surabaya, Kalimantan and Bali), to promote firms offering innovative products, services and technologies and who are interested in positioning themselves for long-term business in the world’s third largest democracy with a thriving open economy (fourth largest country), with a population of over 230 million. CS Jakarta will assist IBAGlobal with matchmakings, briefings and other logistics support. Mission recruitment is done by IBAGlobal in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Commercial Service (U.S. Embassy Jakarta and the U.S. Export Assistance Center, Ontario, California). For details on IBAGlobal Trade Mission, contact: David Loelkes: dloelkes@ibaglobal.org

Event Series: Green Building Road Show (five cities)
Pittsburgh: November 1–3, 2009
Denver: November 3–5, 2009
San Jose: November 6, 2009
San Francisco: November 9, 2009
Phoenix: November 9–13, 2009
Learn more/register:http://www.export.gov/greentechnologies

Learn about lucrative opportunities in Europe’s already-strong and growing sustainable construction market. Participants will receive in-depth briefs on the five biggest EU construction markets estimated at $975 billion from U.S. Commercial Service officers, hear from experts on certifications and standards issues, and discuss market entry strategies in one-on-one counseling sessions with our E.U. market specialists. Decision makers in U.S. companies offering sustainable products and services should participate. In addition, don’t miss the U.S. Commercial Service’s Showtime program at the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo November 11-13 in Phoenix, AZ. Five senior commercial officers from Europe as well as the standards specialist from the U.S. Mission to the EU will be available to meet one-on-one with you to discuss opportunities across Europe. For more information about the Showtime please visit http://www.buyusa.gov/europe/greenbuild.html. For more information contact Deborah Doherty at deborah.doherty@mail.doc.gov

FedEx has organized a trade mission, certified by the U.S. Department of Commerce, to Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir. Turkey is an attractive market for U.S. businesses. It is a regional commercial hub with access to over 1.34 billion people in multiple markets throughout Europe, Russia, the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia. It is also one of the world’s largest economies and with a per capita GDP of over $9,500 it is considered an upper middle class economy. The government has initiated a number of structural reforms to improve the business environment and facilitate economic growth. Istanbul alone is responsible for over 55 percent of the county’s trade, Ankara is the capital city and Izmir is one of the largest port cities and home to one of the largest special economic zones. This mission is designed for U.S. business people interested in meeting potential Turkish partners, agents, buyers, distributors or representatives through appointments scheduled in advance with pre-screened business contacts. Delegates will also meet with key contacts from Turkish businesses, U.S. executives already successfully operating in Turkey, government officials, trade specialists, and others. This mission will provide delegates with important networking opportunities and market intelligence to help them successfully expand into this dynamic market. For more information contact Marilyn Hinson: mghinson@fedex.com

Registration deadline October 5, 2009.
 
This unique trade event is specially designed for small and medium-sized businesses that want to start or grow their international sales. Participants will learn about the government product and services available
to help their businesses successfully compete worldwide. The half-day seminar will include a series of interactive panel discussions with federal government partners as well as with exporters highlighting their success stories. After lunch, there will be an opportunity for one-on-one sessions with government trade professionals and networking with trade finance lenders, export credit insurance brokers, government and industry experts, and other successful U.S. exporters. For more information, call 888.966.2009 or e-mail stephen.maroon@exim.gov

“AccessAmerica” is a new online Chinese-language directory of U.S. firms that provide customized services to Chinese companies that want to conduct business in the U.S., including finding partners and setting up offices. The AccessAmericaService Provider directory gives U.S.-based companies and economic development agencies access exposure to Chinese clients who seek U.S. expertise in global logistics, trade finance, HR, site selection, tax, insurance, legal and regulatory issues, marketing, and other support related to investing in the U.S. Through the U.S. Commercial Service offices in China and our U.S. and Chinese partners, the directory will be seen by thousands of prospective customers and investors. It is promoted in China, in Chinese, in cooperation with our partners including CCPIT, Shanghai Overseas Investment Development Board and the American Chambers of Commerce in Beijing and Southwest China, among others. Subscribers also have the option to post an article or guide on the AccessAmerica Investor Resource webpage. AccessAmerica is featured on the U.S. Embassy Commercial Section Chinese webpage, which had over 60,000 hits in July. It will also be featured on the U.S. Department of Commerce Invest in America webpage which has 9,000 hits per month. AccessAmerica be featured at September’s China International Fair for Investment and Trade in Xiamen, and at future Invest in America events. Your listing will include company information, company logo, and contact details, all translated into Chinese, for a one-year subscription fee of $400. Increase your firm’s visibility in China and boost your service exports. For more information please contact Julie.Carducci@mail.doc.gov
 
The U.S. Commercial Service – Your Global Business Partner. With offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration uses its global Network and international resources to connect U.S companies with international buyers worldwide. If you have any questions about these initiatives, please contact your local U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist. To find the trade specialist nearest you please visit http://www.buyusa.gov/home/us.html

 Check this out!  Exporting is the way to go….

Massachusetts exporting firms have benefited from significant growth in global markets over the past ten years: Latin America up 99.4%, Africa up 123.7%, Europe up 91.3% and Asia up 93.5%!

Studies consistently show that exporting firms are far healthier, more profitable and more competitive than their non-exporting counterparts. Even successful exporters can often expand their global reach by targeting new export markets or improving operations in existing export markets.

 Do not be afraid of language issues – you can always hire a good foreign language translation company.

 The author states that “with American exports experiencing their greatest period of growth in 20 years” flex space that can be easily adapted for office, warehouse, distribution or manufacturing use may be in demand.  The cost is relatively inexpensive and there is no new construction in the MetroWest area.

Exports growing due to the weaker dollar. 

For manufacturers that are interested in expanding internationally, flex space could serve as an inexpensive option for increasing operations.

 

 ALERT: Ban on some imports into China

FYI: Understand and Comply with the New Foreign Trade Regulation (FTR) Requirements:

Learn more: http://www.export.gov/logistics/aes/doc_eg_aes.asp Starting October 1, 2008, the Census Bureau will require mandatory filing of export information through the Automated Export System (AES) or through the AESDirect for all shipments where a paper Shipper’s Export Declaration was required. Penalties may be imposed per violation of the FTR from $1,100 to $10,000—both civil and criminal—for the delayed filing, failure to file, false filing of export information, and/or using the AES to further any illegal activity. Also, all AES filers will face new filing deadlines by mode of transportation for reporting export information. The Commercial Service is working with the Census Bureau to develop a webinar series on these new requirements. Information on dates and times is forthcoming. In the meantime, for more information, please visit http://www.export.gov/logistics/aes/doc_eg_aes.asp.

Trade Mission: U.S. Department of Commerce-Certified Trade Mission to India

Venue: New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai

Dates: November 9-15, 2008

Learn More/Register:  http://offer.van.fedex.com/m/p/fdx/ind/trademission.asp

FedEx, one of the U.S. Commercial Service’s corporate partners, is sponsoring its first U.S. Department of Commerce-Certified Trade Mission to India. This opportunity is open to U.S. companies across a broad range of industry sectors and will include site visits to leading commercial, educational and production facilities, as well as one-on-one business appointments and networking activities.

Event: National District Export Council Conference

Venue: Palm Springs, California

Date: October 15-18, 2008

Price: $350Learn more/register: http://www.decconference.com/

The 2008 National District Export Council Conference, “Travel & Trade: Redefining Exports,” will be held in Palm Springs, CA on October 15-18, 2008. This year’s conference promises to be an enlightening and worthwhile event, bringing back last year’s expert moderator, Gene Randall, and many speakers and panelists who are well-versed in the tools of trade and the markets most important to U.S. exporters.

Seminar Series: Complying with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)

2 Venues: Hawthorne/Manhattan Beach, CA & Rolling Meadows, IL

CA Date/Time: July 30, 2008; 10:30 am PT

IL Date/Time: August 13, 2008; 7:30 am – 5:00 pm CT

Register for CA Event: http://www.buyusa.gov/westlosangeles/itar.html

Register for IL  Event: http://www.buyusa.gov/midwest/227.html

Get an overview of U.S. export controls – the players, policies, and processes. Specifically, learn about the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and how it affects your company. Speakers will detail key issues related to ITAR regulations and the increased enforcement of trade policies. Topics of discussion will include changes and trends at the State Department and best practices on how to successfully navigate the ITAR. For more information on the CA venue, contact: Amy.Magat@mail.doc.gov. For more information on the IL venue, contact: Robin.Mugford@mail.doc.gov.

Trade Mission: U.S. Commercial Service Trade Mission to Panama

Venue: Panama City, Panama

Date: October 26-29, 2008

Learn more/register: http://www.buyusa.gov/florida/panama_mission.html

The U.S. Commercial Service is leading a trade mission to Panama for U.S. firms interested in exploring this lucrative market. Taking advantage of the momentum generated by the proposed U.S.-Panama Free Trade Agreement and the Panama Canal expansion, the mission will include an economic briefing, one-on-one business appointments, a Panama Canal Authority procurement overview, and a reception at the Ambassador’s residence. A visit to the Colon Free Zone is optional. For more information contact: Sandra.Campbell@mail.doc.gov.

Webinar: Free Trade Agreements: Researching and Interpreting Rules of Origin

Venue: Your computer

Date: July 31, 2008

Time: 12:00 pm ET

Learn more/register: https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration.jsp?SmartCode=8Q6P

This webinar will help you understand the Rules of Origin for your products under the North American Free Trade Agreement and the other FTAs. Learn how to conduct research, qualify your products, and deal with foreign customs officials. For more information contact Meredith Bond at Meredith.Bond@mail.doc.gov.

Event: The Americas Competitiveness Forum (ACF) – Promoting Prosperity and Economic Opportunity

Venue: Atlanta, Georgia

Date: August 17-19, 2008

For more information/register: http://www.competitivenessforum.org/

The second annual ACF will provide an opportunity for governments, businesses, and representatives from academia and non-governmental organizations to discuss actions that can be taken to improve competitiveness and economic prosperity in the Americas. The ACF is a unique combination of a business conference coupled with a policy brainstorming sessions. The forum will also provide a venue for companies and foreign government officials to meet and explore investment opportunities.

Event: Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Export Regulation Course

Venue: Universal City, California

Date: August 20-21, 2008

Learn more/register: http://www.buyusa.gov/pacificsouth/bisuniversalcity.html

The Bureau of Industry and Security, in cooperation with the Southern California Regional District Export Council and the U.S. Commercial Service in Southern California, invites you to attend a workshop on the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and Export Management Compliance Program. This program is well suited for those who need a comprehensive understanding of their obligations under the EAR. For more information contact: Steve.Vo@mail.doc.gov.

Seminar: Selling to Mexico’s Maquiladoras 101

Venue: Nogales, Sonora, Mexico

Date: September 9, 2008

Price: $125

Learn more/register: http://www.buyusa.gov/arizona/maquila101.html

This one-day program is designed to help U.S. companies sell to Mexico’s maquiladoras. Participants will attend an onsite briefing from Mexican immigration and customs officials on business visas and clearances required on U.S. goods destined for maquiladoras. Tour Nogales’ two largest maquiladora shelter plant operations and hear industry-focused presentations on maquiladora fundamentals such as the competitive environment, growth opportunities, purchasing decision-making, quality, and logistics. Roundtrip bus transportation from Phoenix and Tucson to Nogales as well as lunch and snacks are included in the cost. For more information contact Matt Baker at matt.baker@mail.doc.gov.

Trade Mission: U.S. Department of Commerce Secretarial Business Development Mission

Venue: Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua

Dates: September 29-October 4, 2008

Learn more/register: http://www.export.gov/caftadrmission/doc_eg_caftadrmission.asp

Proximity, strong demand for U.S. goods and services, and a lower cost of doing business due to Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement make the Central American and Caribbean region an obvious choice for U.S. companies looking to increase their sales. Join Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez as he leads a delegation of U.S. firms on this business development mission. Participants will meet one-on-one with pre-screened buyers, agents/distributors and partners; receive in-depth market briefs from in-country U.S. Commercial Service trade experts; and meet with senior government officials and industry decision-makers. Deadline for applying to participate in this mission is July 31, 2008. For more information contact: caftadrmission@doc.gov.

The U.S. Commercial Service – Your Global Business Partner.

With offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration uses its global Network and international resources to connect U.S companies with international buyers worldwide. If you have any questions about these initiatives, please contact your local U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist. To find the trade specialist nearest you please visit http://www.buyusa.gov/home/us.html.

The seminar will help companies:

• identify obstacles and opportunitiees in global value chains;
• identify new international markets; and
• learn “best practices” from experts

 The cost is free, but pre-registration is required. For more information www.aimnet.org 

 Hope to see you there.

 Wendy Pease

www.rapportintl.com

978-443-2540