 |
In this edition:
- NADEC Chairman's update
- US Taiwan outreach/ conference
- US/UK 7th Dialogue in CA
- Local DEC events
- US Dept. of Commerce needs your feedback!
|
|
|
|
- US Dept. of Commerce events
- Asian Development Bank opportunities
-
To help you export: IBT OnLine Blog & webinar details
- NASBIT Summit
- NASBITE CGBP August 2023
|
|
|
|
An update for DEC Members
As we have just finished another successful and well-attended annual conference, I would like to take the time to address what has been done in 2023 and what is still yet to come.
The first six months of the year have seen the NADEC and local DECs participate in the President’s US-Africa Leaders Summit. This Summit was widely heralded as the beginning of opening the trade relationship with African nations. We ask that DEC members keep the pressure on to assist in moving this initiative forward. NADEC co-hosted a webinar with the US Chamber of Commerce on this topic that is available online on the NADEC Youtube channel to watch at your convenience
here.
The NADEC and local DECs have also been instrumental in participating in requests to Congress and the Administration for Market Access as opposed to the Frameworks that are currently being discussed. DEC members also advocated for the critical issue of a fully staffed U.S. Department of Commerce. The NADEC participated in a Politico article that shed light on the value and necessity of both the domestic and international Commerce offices being fully staffed. We want all DEC members to continue to be involved in these timely and critical initiatives.
As we move into the second half of 2023, I would like to take the time to discuss some additional priorities:
-
We ask that DEC members participate in the discussion on Customs Modernization. Items such as e-Commerce, de minimis and others will be on the table during the negotiations regarding this legislation. Please let your voice be heard in this legislation.
-
The NADEC is also working on a framework for the “Building the Trade DNA” initiative. This will include a resource center with presentations, and other materials. NADEC is planning a university competition as a part of the “Building the Trade DNA” project. NADEC welcomes any DEC interested in joining this initiative. Please reach out to me for further information.
-
The NADEC is also working with the U.S. Department in Commerce to help it reshape the way that it does business. All DEC members have been asked to share their feedback with the U.S. Department of Commerce.
NOW is the time to speak out on services you like and services that you wish to see modernized or changed! This will be instrumental in shaping our advocacy efforts on the Hill. You can submit feedback to the NADEC office here.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Szucs, President, Advanced Superabrasives Inc.
|
|
Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen and NADEC Trade Policy Committee’s Elizabeth Chan appear onstage onstage with a number of prominent Taiwanese businessmen earlier in June at the 1st post-covid, large international business conference in Taiwan. Elizabeth Chan was an invited keynote speaker addressing trade de-risking versus decoupling and economic patriotism in the Asia context.
|
|
U.S. takes a First Step Towards a New Trade Relationship with Taiwan
David F. Day, C-Chair, NADEC Trade Policy Committee
June, 2023
Over strenuous opposition from China, the USTR announced a “first step” trade initiative has just been reached with Taiwan on June 1, 2023. This new trade arrangement, “U.S. Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade,” is a modest trade “framework” with the stated intent that further enhancements of the trade relationship will be forthcoming in future agreements.
A number of Taiwanese businesspersons commented to me, while there in Taipei recently, that they viewed this development, while far short of a FTA, as an important and encouraging 1st “baby step” in upgrading the trade relationship with the United States.
|
|
Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen addresses the Taiwanese business community at the 75th Anniversary Celebration of the founding of the Importers and Exporters Association of Taipei.
This association represents approximately 40% of Taiwan’s economy. The organization now has some 6,400 members.
|
|
|
|
This new trade initiative with Taiwan sets up a modest trade “framework” and not a whole lot more.
Among the more practical improvements for our DEC members is that this initiative contains an agreement to promote online, publicly-available resources for SME’s to learn more about how to actually conduct business in both markets.
In the area of trade facilitation, this new agreement provides for the use of electronic customs forms, as well as the electronic payment of duties, taxes & fees on both sides. SME trade and Investment opportunities between Taiwan and the U.S. are encouraged.
Other provisions include public consultations on draft regulatory measures, regulators required to be independent of the industry being overseen and an interesting provision on anti-corruption. If you take a look at the anti-corruption section, it is interesting that it mandates procedures for possible removal of public officials charged or convicted of corruption.
The backstory of this new trade arrangement with Taiwan is that it follows a Congressional resolution enacted into law on March 26, 2020. In that legislation, titled the ”Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative (Taipei) Act of 2019,” Congress directed a number of key upgrades in the U.S. trade relationship with Taiwan:
· Encourages the President to conduct regular transfers of defense articles
· Encourage travel of high-level U.S. officials to Taiwan
|
|
Invitation to the 7th US-UK Small and Medium Enterprise Dialogue (SME)
October 5, 2023
9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Indio, Coachella Valley, California
Small business stakeholders are cordially invited to attend the 7th United States-United Kingdom Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Dialogue on Thursday October 5, 2023 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. in Coachella Valley, California.
The SME Dialogue is convened by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the U.S. Small Business Administration with the UK Department for Business and Trade.
The 7th U.S.-UK SME Dialogue will take place on October 5th in Indio, located in the Coachella Valley of Southern California. The event is being hosted by the Cabazon band of Cahuilla Indians in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s U.S. Commercial Service, the British Embassy, and the UK Consulate in California. This marks the first time the United States will hold an SME Dialogue with a Native American Tribal host.
Topics for discussion include an update on U.S.-UK trade; SMEs and clean tech solutions in U.S.-
- UK green technology trade; trade & investment opportunities and challenges for tribal, rural, and
- minority-owned businesses; growth opportunities in U.S.-UK services trade; and challenges SMEs
- face in trading in U.S. and UK markets. Attendees will be able to engage in discussion with experts
- as well as learn about tools and resources to grow their businesses internationally..
|
|
RSVP for UK SME stakeholders: Please provide your name, title, organization and city to us-hub@trade.gov.uk
|
|
Please share your local DEC events with the NADEC Network!
To submit an event for posting, fill in the form on the NADEC webiste here
Recordings of previous webinars can be found here
|
|
Access to China: Opportunities and Challenges Export Lunch & Learn Webinar
July 20, 2023
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm GMT
Although a challenging marketplace, China’s vast size, growing wealth, changing demographics and economic transformation continues to create opportunities for well-prepared US firms. Indiana’s exports to China have increased 164% over the past 10 years, far outpacing our state’s export growth to our other leading trade partners making China Indiana’s 3rd largest export market.
Over the past two decades, China’s middle class has experienced one of the fastest growth rates in the world, generating demand for a broad range of products – including those made in Indiana.
Q: Andrew Reinke, fti@foreigntargets.com
|
|
U.S. Caribbean Business Conference
Exploring the Markets of the Caribbean
September 6-7, 2023
8:00 am - 5:00 pm EST
U.S. Caribbean Business Conference 2023 participants will receive up-to-date market intelligence and help develop practical strategies for winning procurements and for exporting their goods and services.
The program will include U.S. diplomats, industry professionals, trade experts, international business experts, high-level government officials and seasoned exporters – with plenty of opportunity for networking.
For more information, contact: Jim Anzalone, office.miami@trade.gov
|
|
Help Shape the Future of the U.S. Commercial Service
The U.S. Commercial Service is seeking feedback from clients and the business community about how we can modernize and improve the services and support we provide to U.S. exporters.
Your feedback is extremely valuable. As we strive to deliver the highest quality service to all customers, understanding what our clients find most helpful, and where there is room for improvement is critically important to how we plan to innovate and enhance the way we do business.
|
|
Signature Exporting Programs
This September, Discover Global Markets will take place in seven cities throughout the U.S. These one-day business forums will feature opportunities to connect with industry leaders, schedule one-on-one meetings with U.S. commercial diplomats and specialists based in key European markets, and network with fellow exporters.
September 6, Denver, CO; September 7, San Francisco/Silicon Valley, CA; September 12, New York, MY; September 14, Birmingham, AL; September 19, Chicago, IL; September 26, Columbus, OH and September 28, Charleston, WV.
|
|
This is the largest U.S. government – led trade mission and business development forum. The next mission will be hosted in Istanbul, May 13 – 15, 2024. Qualified U.S. businesses may customize their experience with optional business-to-business matchmaking meetings with pre-screened buyers, agents, distributors, or joint-venture partners in Türkiye (May 15) as well as Denmark or Romania, (May 9-10) and Poland or Italy (May 16-17).
|
|
This program is the International Trade Administration’s premiere resource for women entrepreneurs who wish to boldly grow their businesses into new markets. This dynamic platform facilitates the necessary skills to build an export strategy and develop valuable business connections.
We invite you to check out the Women in Exporting Series on this link:
https://www.trade.gov/womens-global-trade-empowerment
|
|
U.S Commercial Service and the Europe Team Present: Overview of EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
What does this mean for U.S. companies?
July 17, 2023, 11:00 a.m. EST
The U.S. Commercial Service's Europe Team invites you to participate in a dialogue and presentation on the EUs Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and what this means for U.S. companies looking to export into the EU.
Agenda:
• Welcome and introductions by Shannon Christenbury, GM Europe Team Leader
• CBAM Presentation and Overview: Mr. David Boubil, Deputy Head of Unit, Indirect Taxation and Tax Administration, DG Taxation and Customs Union, European Commission
• Moderated by: John Simmons, Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs Europe
The Commission would like to hear your views:
This draft act is open for feedback for 4 weeks, June 13- July 11, 2023. Feedback will be taken into account for finalizing this initiative. If you are interested in providing feedback by Tuesday, July 11, please click here.
For questions, contact: Europe Team Leader, Shannon Christenbury: Shannon.Christenbury@trade.gov
|
|
Global Diversity Trade Mission
to Africa
August 6-15, 2023, South Africa, Ghana, and Optional Stop in Nigeria
The Global Diversity Export Initiative (GDEI) Trade Mission to Africa is focused on building commercial bridges between U.S. owned or led businesses from underserved communities and business communities in South Africa, Ghana, and Nigeria.
The mission will help participating firms and organizations gain market insights, make industry contacts, solidify business strategies, and advance specific projects, with the goal of increasing U.S. exports. By participating in an official U.S. industry delegation, rather than traveling on their own, U.S. companies will enhance their ability to secure meetings and gain greater exposure in these markets.
|
|
Trade Mission to Canada and Mexico & Business Opportunities
in the America’s Conference
September 17-22, 2023, Washington DC, Canada & Mexico
This trade mission will include the Business Opportunities in the Americas Conference in Washington, DC on September 17-19, 2023.
Hosted in Washington, DC, the Business Opportunities in the Americas Conference will focus on region-specific sessions, market entry strategies, export compliance, legal, logistics, disaster resilience and recovery and trade financing resources. You will also be able to have prearranged one-on-one consultations with U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service (US & FCS) commercial officers!
|
|
Access Europe and Eurasia, Explore Business Opportunities in Türkiye and Beyond!
May 13-15, 2024, Istanbul, Turkey
Join us in Istanbul, Turkey (May 13-15, 2024) for the largest U.S. government-led trade mission and business development forum. Organized by the U.S. Commercial Service, Trade Winds will feature meetings with U.S. commercial diplomats from over 25 countries in Europe and Eurasia, exciting conference programming, and plenty of networking.
Qualified U.S. businesses may customize their experience with optional business-to-business matchmaking meetings with pre-screened buyers, agents, distributors, or joint-venture partners in Türkiye (May 15) as well as Denmark or Romania, (May 9-10) and Poland or Italy (May 16-17).
|
|
U.S. Candidate Ian Saunders Elected Secretary General of the World Customs Organization
On Saturday, June 24, 2023, Ian Saunders, the United States’ candidate, and current Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, was elected to become the next Secretary General of the World Customs Organization today in Brussels, Belgium.
“On behalf of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, we are deeply proud and honored that Mr. Ian Saunders will represent the United States of America as the newest Secretary General of the World Customs Organization,” said Troy A. Miller, Senior Official Performing the Duties of CBP Commissioner. “We look forward to Saunders’ leadership of this important body, where he has pledged to strike the balance between tradition and innovation, safety and facilitation, and national interests and global cooperation for the improvement of global customs practices. We have every confidence in his leadership of and commitment to our customs community.”
Saunders, with over 20 years in customs during a 30+ year career in international relations, promised continued commitment to all member countries of the WCO and advocacy for diverse perspectives to shape and inform the work of the organization. Saunders has pledged to uphold the principles of inclusivity, diversity of thought, and transparency, recognizing these are essential to achieving a safe, prosperous, and inclusive future.
|
|
Article from SBA’s Office of International Trade newsletter that provides some information about ADB and the potential for US companies to gain contracts in the Asia Pacific region in a variety of industries.
Opportunities for U.S. Exporters with the Asian Development Bank (ADB)
The SBA recently met with Moushumi Khan, Alternate Director for the United States of America for the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The ADB is Asia’s premier development bank, with 68 member countries supporting projects in developing member countries that create economic and development impact, delivered through public and private sector operations, advisory services, and knowledge support.
The United States is a founding member of the ADB and the largest co-shareholder with Japan. The ADB envisions a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty in the region. The ADB assists its members and partners by providing loans, technical assistance, grants, and equity investments to promote social and economic development.
Ms. Khan presented the background of the ADB. Her office seeks to grow U.S. participation in ADB projects. The ADB procured nearly $9 billion in goods and services in 2022, plus over $535 million in consulting. U.S. companies are underrepresented in these projects.
There are opportunities for infrastructure, construction, energy, agriculture, health, and many other industries. Ms. Khan urged U.S. companies to bid on these opportunities and expand into Asia and the Pacific, the largest market in the world.
The Department of Commerce has a Liaison Office at the ADB to assist U.S. companies on procurement and contracting issues, ensure fair and equal treatment, and increase the proportion of ADB projects won by U.S. firms.
|
|
Department of Commerce and ADB Resources:
|
|
Asian Development Bank (ADB) Road Show
September 15, 2023, Wisconsin
The Water Council and US Commercial Services invite you to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Roadshow-Wisconsin, led by Ambassador Chantale Wong, U.S. Executive Director to the Asian Development Bank.
The event will provide companies the opportunity to dive further into the ADB procurement process and understand current opportunities for U.S. companies in the water and energy sectors.
|
|
Doing Business with Multilateral Development Banks
Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) are organizations comprised of donor and borrowing member countries that provide financing and advice for the purpose of economic advancement in developing countries. These Banks finance development projects worth billions of dollars throughout the world.
Doing business with any of the MDBs depends on a company’s ability to do business in the country where the project will be implemented, and with the borrowing government that runs the procurement process. Knowledge of the local language, culture, business practices, legal system, and other local conditions is essential.
|
|
|
|
-
Blog: Googe Universal Analytics to GA4
-
Googe Universal Analytics to GA4: What Exporters Need to Know
- AI: Shaping the Future of Sales and OneLIne Marketing
- Grow your Business Globally with E-Commerce!
|
|
Blog: Google Universal Analytics and GA4: What does this mean for
my business?
Whether we’re avid marketeers or not, we have all heard about Google’s latest new release, and the dreaded term 'transition' to GA4. If you haven't been following; as of July 2023, Google will discontinue all Universal Analytics properties and companies will only have access to their new system: GA4.
With the introduction of GA4, users can expect many changes on how Google reports data and how to leverage the platform. So, what does that mean for your business, your website and how you are currently using and reporting your data?
At IBT Online we have been riding the early wave of transitioning to GA4 - but in case you missed it here is a quick recap of the crucial information you need to understand the transition, what this involves, and how your business can prepare for it. Don't hesitate to get in touch if you want to learn more and develop a robust reporting strategy for any of your global target markets!
|
|
John Koons, Online Marketing Manager, IBT Online, Q: jk@ibt.com
We invite you to join us for some of our webinars below!
|
|
Webinar: Google Universal Analytics to GA4: What Exporters Need to Know!
July 19, 2023, 12 p.m. EST
Google Analytics to GA4 transition has been a core focus for marketers looking to adapt and thrive in the evolving digital landscape. With the advancements and updates introduced in GA4, it is essential for businesses to understand the intricacies of this transition and capitalize on the new opportunities it presents.
Join us as we navigate through this transformational journey, providing you with the knowledge and insights to seamlessly transition from Google Analytics to GA4 and make the most out of its powerful features and functionalities.
Copy and paste link into your browser
AI: Shaping the Future of Sales and OnLIne Marketing
August 9, 2023 (URL will be provided once the page is built out)
AI is revolutionizing the marketing industry. AI-powered personalization, predictive analytics and the use of chatbots and conversational AI tools to transform the customer experience. Examine the ethical implications of AI in marketing and provide guidance on how to use these technologies in an ethical and responsible manner. Join us to have a better understanding of how AI is transforming marketing and will have gained practical insights and strategies for leveraging these technologies to drive success in their own marketing efforts.
Grow your Business Globally with E-Commerce!
August 16, 2023, 11:00 a.m. EST
Join our Live conversation as we discuss how companies can leverage online business development tools, international ecommerce techniques, digital marketing strategies and grant programs to grow their exports, sales, brand, and business globally!
Copy and paste link into your browser
|
|
2023 National Small Business Exporter Summit
October 3 - 4, 2023
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. EST
The National Small Business Exporter Summit provides
forward-thinking CEOs and upper-level management export executives and entrepreneurs with direct access to shared learning and high-level networking and opportunities.
Attendees will gain insight into powerful tools, techniques and resources that outstanding exporters from across the country have used to guide export growth and success within their businesses. Information will be shared that Summit attendees can adapt/adopt within their own business settings to support business growth and development.
For more information please contact: Jackie Rasmussen, rasmussenj@missouri.edu
|
|
August 8 - 10, 2023 - Virtual
The NASBITE CGBP credential confirms knowledge in international trade and assures that the individuals that are certified are able to practice global business at the professional level required in today’s competitive environment. The CGBP credential raises the level of practice in the field, provides professional development goals for credential holders, and showcases competency.
The NASBITE CGBP certifies that a candidate is competent in the following four areas of global trade:
1. Global Business Management
2. Global Marketing
3. Supply Chain Management
4. Trade Finance
Attending this CGBP Exam Prep training better positions you for success in sitting for and passing the CGBP exam. The training provides a great overview of the core elements of international trade that businesses competing in this environment should be aware of. The CGBP is designed to meet the needs of individuals working in the profession or studying for a career related to global commerce. Candidates from both small and large companies will benefit, as will students in two or four year degree programs. The credential is also suitable for individuals working in trade assistance organizations, trade promotion agencies, and related educational institutions.
About the instructor: Jim Foley is an expert in international sales and marketing training, and author of “The Global Entrepreneur: Taking Your Business International”. Jim’s experience spans 35-years of marketing, sales, corporate management and small business consulting. Jim currently serves are director of the Turner Center for Entrepreneurship and the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at Bradley University. He is past president of NASBITE International and current national co-chair of the ASBDC International Trade Committee.
Training Delivery: Join us via Zoom. The training schedule is set to accommodate breaks every hour and an extend lunch time, so that you can maintain focus, and meet outside obligations as needed.
Training Cost: $550 per attendee – includes free access to the official CGBP Exam Study Pack ($179 value)
To register or if you have questions contact:
Jackie Rasmussen - rasmussenj@missouri.edu, Ph. 573-884-5223 (office) or
573-836-0002 (cell) or Krista Hinrichs – hinrichsk@missouri.edu, ph. 573-884-7554
|
|
Connect with your fellow DEC Chapters! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
