Mission: International
Stage 1: South American Markets
February 29, 2008
Time and Location: TBA
Invited Speakers:
U.S. Department of Commerce Under Secretary of International Trade, Christopher A. Padilla
Commercial Specialists from Brazil, Peru, Chile, Colombia
In preparation for our upcoming trade mission to South America, we’ve invited Secretary Padilla and Commercial Specialists from Brazil, Peru, Chile, and Colombia to address the benefits of the new free trade agreements and business opportunities in their respective countries.
One-on-one meetings with the Commercial Specialists will also be offered. Contact Debra Martin (dmartin@wvdo.org) if you are interested.
Stay tuned for Stage Two
Stage Two: U.S. Commercial Specialist from Chengdu to Visit West Virginia!
Charleston: March 6 -7
Wheeling: March 10-11
Schedule your one-on-one appointment early!
U.S. Commercial Speacialist Chen Ling Area Specialists:
Transportation (Non-Aerospace)
Environmental Technologies
Tooling and Machine Tools
Plastic Materials and Resins
Agricultural Chemicals
As the capital city of Sichuan Province in Southwestern China, Chengdu is the most important commercial center in West China. With 10.4 million people, a central location, and only 1,500 miles from China’s eastern seaboard, Chengdu is a cornerstone for modern logistics throughout western China. It possesses 10 expressways and the largest hub of railway in Southwest China. Bordering other important regions such as Yunnan and Guizhou Provinces, the Tibet Autonomous Region, and the Municipality of Chongqing, Chengdu has a market reach of over 200 million people. Sichuan Province is the national headquarters for feed grain companies and Chengdu is a key manufacturing center for the electronics, machinery, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, metallurgy and food processing industries. The IT industry has been designated as the Number One Project for growth in Sichuan Province.
For more information please contact the WV Development Office or the US Commercial Service.
Further Instructions to Follow
Check out what's great in 2008
Trade Events
2008
Dubai Wood Show 2008
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
February 5-7, 2008
Trade Winds Europe - all industries
Istanbul, Turkey
April 14-16, 2008
Trade Mission to South America - all industries
Brazil, Peru, Chile
June 10-18, 2008
China International Coal and Energy
New Industry Expo
Taiyuan, China
September 22-24, 2008
Reverse Trade Mission - Wood Products
Ocotber, 2008
For more information on any of these events, please call Debra Martin at the West Virginia Development Office International Division, 304 558 2234. You may also respond by email to dmartin@wvdo.org.
U.S. and Mexico: Building Partnerships in Infrastructure Conference
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) is sponsoring a Conference entitled “U.S. and Mexico: Building Partnerships in Infrastructure” to be held in Mexico City, Mexico on February, 26-28, 2008. The U.S. Commercial Service in Mexico is co-sponsoring the Conference with USTDA to facilitate U.S. – Mexican business partnerships in infrastructure.
The catalyst for this event is Mexican President Calderon’s launch of the National Infrastucture Program (NIP) to increase investment in infrastructure from 3% to 8% of GDP by 2012. The NIP highlights more than 300 infrastructure projects, primarily in the transportation, energy, and environmental sectors, and outlines goals and strategies to increase the coverage, quality and competitiveness of Mexico’s infrastructure.
With this in mind, the Conference has two main objectives:
1) Identify near-term business opportunities related to the NIP and USTDA’s portfolio in Mexico for U.S. firms and,
2) Promote U.S. – Mexican partnerships linked to these projects to facilitate U.S. exports.
The agenda has been developed with these objectives in mind and includes Mexican project delegate presentations on project opportunities as well as many networking and prescheduled one-on-one meeting opportunities between U.S. companies, Mexican project delegates, Mexican companies, and U.S. government officials. In addition to particiation there are also several sponsorship opportunities for U.S. companies, which include exhibit space. Senior U.S. and Mexican officials have confirmed their participation, including the U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez, who will speak and moderate a panel at the Opening Plenary.
This Conference represents the best opportunity in 2008 for U.S. companies who are seriously interested in pursuing the real business opportunities represented by projects under the NIP.
NEW! "Smart China Sourcing" Website from Global Sources
Global Sources’ recently launched “Smart China Sourcing” website is designed to provide answers to all the how-to questions people ask when they are thinking about importing from China.
It offers practical articles written by experienced importers on such subjects as managing quality control, competitiveness, legal and intellectual property issues, supplier selection and evaluation, negotiating techniques, attending trade shows, East-West cultural differences and more.
Articles on the site include:
- China Travel Tips for the First-timer
- Five Legal Basics for Reducing Outsourcing Risk
- Initial Supplier Due Diligence
- China Payment Terms
- Developing Business Relationships with Chinese Factories
The range of topics covered will be valuable both for folks new to importing, as well as for more experienced importers who would like to compare their practices with others.
“Smart China Sourcing” also welcomes article submissions from experienced importers for possible publication. Go to www.smartschinasourcing.com/submit-your-article/ for information on how to submit your article.
Global Sources Online is one of the world’s leading trade sites, connecting volume buyers around the world with quality suppliers throughout China and Asia. Learn about all of their products and services at www.globalsources.com.
West Virginia District Export Council
Save The Date: February 13, 2008
- Learn how the WV Export Council can assist you in exporting!
- No need to travel!
- Easy webinar format prevents you from missing a day of work!
Webinar Hosted by West Virginia Export Council
Are you curious about the WV Export Council or how its members can assist you?
Well now is your chance to find out!
This webinar will focus on getting to know the WV Export Council members. Each member will introduce themselves and give a brief presentation on their areas of expertise. Also included will be an announcement of the West Virginia Development Office's 2008 Trade Events Schedule.