The Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED) is bringing its foreign trade representatives to Tacoma to speak with local businesses about international trade opportunities.
The seminar and reception, part of CTED’s annual Trade Week events, will feature the state’s trade representatives from major trading partner countries including China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Mexico and the European Union.
Based in Washington’s overseas offices, the state’s foreign trade representatives will be on hand to provide practical advice for current and potential exporters, including:
— How CTED can assist companies interested in pursuing international sales, including trade partner searches, meeting arrangements and market intelligence reports;
— Key products and services imported by each country;
— Growing import trends and demands;
— Insights into cultural, economic and regulatory considerations;
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Tacoma-Seattle-Bellevue metropolitan area exported over $46 billion worth of goods in 2006, with exports to Asia-Pacific countries representing the largest segment. Washington state is the most trade dependent state in the nation, deriving the largest percentage of its economy from international trade. In 2007, exports reached $66 billion, a record level.
“This event will give local companies the opportunity to ask questions of CTED’s professionals based in these major markets,” notes Mark Calhoon, Managing Director of CTED’s International Division. “We’re ready to help companies that are interested in expanding their export sales, whether through the development of new sales strategies or identifying potential new foreign buyers.”
The public export seminar will take place Thurs., March 20, 4-5 p.m., at The Tacoma Club, and will be followed by the Governor’s “Trader of the Year Awards” reception from 5-8 pm. Governor Chris Gregoire will present awards to the two winning export companies for this year’s competition. The event is co-sponsored by The World Trade Club and the World Trade Center Tacoma.
CTED’s Trade Week seminars will be taking place in multiple locations around the state, including Bremerton, Everett, Spokane, the Tri-Cities, and Vancouver, Wash. To register for the Governor’s “Trader of the Year Awards” reception, contact The World Trade Club, at (206) 686-3736 or email info@worldtradeclub.net.