Chamber members receive
tools to access global opportunities and strengthen their businesses.
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eCertify, the efficient way to process Certificates of Origin, saves you time and money.
The Chamber was recognized last week at the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) 2011 Convention for being one of the first chambers of commerce in the country to use eCertify and for processing one of the largest quantities of Certificates of Origin online in the country. The Chamber is proud to offer eCertify technology as our standard to process Certificates of Origin. With eCertify, exporters and freight forwarders have a seamless and streamlined electronic solution providing real value in cost savings and efficiency gains. Get started today.
Read more on the process behind issuing Certificates of Origin.
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Trade Connect
The Port of Los Angeles coordinates Trade Connect, an export seminar that assists small-to-medium-size businesses interested in exporting. This three hour workshop brings experts out to brief and meet local businesses in the Los Angeles region. The seminar covers:
• Selecting overseas markets
• Finding finance and insurance
• Arranging documentation and logistics
• Air and ocean cargo services in L.A.
• Further export education
Trade Connect is an integral part of the new Los Angeles Export Council's initiatives to increase exports with the goal of assisting the Los Angeles region's economic growth. Contact Jean Coronel.
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Trade news from around the world
Twice a month, the L.A. Area Chamber produces an email brief that includes trade news from around the world. The brief is a Global Trades Council exclusive email benefit that is later published online. Read more.
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CREATING JOBS THROUGH EXPORTING
The Chamber and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announced Monday that the Chamber has been selected to house the Los Angeles Regional Export Council, a collaborative effort to encourage and assist companies looking to begin or increase international trade activity. "The Chamber is proud to lead this effort, which will result in more business abroad for local businesses," said L.A. Area Chamber Senior Vice President Carlos Valderrama. Los Angeles is the first of four pilot metro areas to partner with the Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program to develop export plans this year. Above, Valderrama addresses the media with Mayor Villaraigosa to his right. View photo gallery. Contact Carlos J. Valderrama, 213.580.7570.
Chamber receives SBA grant to boost exporting from our region
On Tuesday, the Chamber announced that it received a $320,000 California State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) Grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration. A three-year pilot trade and export initiative, the STEP Program is authorized by the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 and is designed to help increase the number of small businesses that are exporting, as well as raise the value of exports for those small businesses so they can grow and create jobs. "The Chamber has been working with area small businesses to increase international trade for many years," said L.A. Area Chamber Senior Vice President Carlos Valderrama.
Chamber appointed by the World Bank as a Private Sector Liaison
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The L.A. Area Chamber has been appointed by the World Bank as a Private Sector Liaison Officer (PSLO). The Chamber joins nine PSLOs in the United States and 80 around the world. Serving in the capacity of PSLO, the Chamber will be responsible for coordinating activities in California with various business intermediaries, such as chambers of commerce and industry; business associations; investment and export promotion agencies; and other regional and national economic institutions. The Chamber will provide information about the World Bank's projects and services, and organize seminars, trade missions and matchmaking opportunities for regional firms interested in conducting business in emerging markets.
Chamber meets with African Union Ambassador to the United States
Last month, Chamber members and community leaders met with Hon. Amina Salum Ali, African Union Ambassador to the United States. Ambassador Ali discussed the trade and investment possibilities in the Union's 54 member states and provided an update on Africa's improved economic situation as the countries embrace international trade. "China and India have tripled their investments in the last 10 years," she said. "Clearly there is something there, and the United States needs to participate at the risk of falling behind." From left: Ambassador Ali; and Dwayne Gathers, Gathers Strategies, Inc.; and Chamber EVP & COO David Eads. View photo gallery.
For more information on any of these issues, contact Carlos J. Valderrama, 213.580.7570.
| TRADE COMMISSIONERS CORNER |
Next Session: USC Health Science Center Briefing & Tour
Tuesday, Nov. 29, 9 a.m.-noon
Register now
Upcoming Session: Strategic Planning Session
Thursday, Dec. 1, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Omni Los Angeles Hotel
Register now
Join us to set top program priorities for 2012, discuss ideal meeting dates and share general feedback on the Trade Commissioners Networking Group. Immediately following this session, we invite you to stay for the Chamber's Annual Holiday V.I.P. Reception at the Omni from 5:30-7 p.m. Register now. Invitations are non-transferable.
Learn more about the Trade Commissioners Networking Group.
TCNG was established to provide the infrastructure and venue where foreign diplomats, including trade commissioners, can develop their own international trade strategies and programs as they perform their professional responsibilities. The Chamber is committed to working closely with countries who are actively promoting trade and economic opportunities. Contact Jasmin Sakai-Gonzalez, 213.580.7569.
The Port of Los Angeles releases its September 2011 cargo volumes
Total loaded import/export 20-ft equivalent unit (TEU) volumes increased 7.13 percent compared to Sept. 2010. Loaded exports continue to remain robust, up 26.5 percent compared to the previous September and on pace for another record year. Loaded imports decreased .16 percent compared to last September. When factoring in empty TEUs (-21.4 percent), overall September TEU volumes increased .8 percent compared to September 2010. For the first nine months of calendar year 2011, overall volumes are flat (.25 percent increase) compared to 2010. The Port is coming off a 16 percent gain in calendar year 2010 compared to 2009.
Recently Approved FTAs Open Up New Business Opportunities: An op-ed by Brian Peck, Global Council Co-Chair, International Trade Policy
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There is an old adage that "good things come to those who wait, better things come to those who are patient." After several years of domestic political wrangling, the FTAs with Korea, Colombia and Panama were finally ratified by the U.S. Congress and signed by President Obama last month. The KORUS FTA in particular, will be the largest FTA for the United States since NAFTA, but each of these agreements will open up markets for U.S. firms, increase trade and exports, and support additional jobs for American workers. U.S. FTAs have a proven track record - before the economic downturn, every FTA has resulted in significant increases in U.S. exports to the FTA partner countries. Southern California manufacturers, IP-related companies, service providers as well as small- and medium-sized businesses are well-positioned to take advantage of and reap the benefits from the expanded market access and new business opportunities in Korea, Colombia and Panama. Read more about this topic by reading the entire op-ed, The Business Perspective blog by L.A. Area Chamber President & CEO Gary Toebben and the Chamber's press release congratulating Congress.
Global Initiatives Council, Nov. 16
Join the Council for the last session of the year to hear from USC Marshall School of Business Dean James Ellis as he discusses preparing global business leaders, the current conditions and future trends of global business and their effects on global competitiveness of the next generation of business leaders. Ellis previously served as the University's vice provost for globalization, Marshall's vice dean for external relations and associate dean for the undergraduate program. This event is open to Chamber members only. Register now or contact Jasmin Sakai-Gonzalez, 213.580.7569.
For more information on Chamber events, visit lachamber.com/events. |
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