The Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED) is bringing its international trade representatives to Tacoma to help local businesses explore global trade opportunities.
As part of CTED’s annual Washington State Trade Week, the states trade representatives will provide one-on-one counseling with local businesses. The meetings will feature trade representatives from major trading partner markets including China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Mexico, and Europe.
“We’re ready to help Washington companies develop or expand their export sales and increase their presence in the global marketplace,” said CTED Interim Director Larry Williams. “This event brings our on-the-ground trade experts to communities around the state.”
Based in Washington’s overseas offices, the state’s international trade representatives will be available to provide practical advice for current and potential exporters. CTED and its representatives can assist Washington companies connect with overseas buyers, agents, and distributors to stay competitive in a global marketplace; identify appropriate resources to help deal with legal, regulatory, logistical, or financial issues; navigate the process of selling overseas, mitigating transaction risks, and structuring payment terms; and research international markets to identify the most appropriate destinations for companies and their products.
The event, billed as “Trade Week: Bringing the World to You” will be held Weds., March 18 from 3 5 p.m., at the Port of Tacoma Fabulich Center, 3600 Port of Tacoma Road. To Register, contact Mariam Anderson, World Trade Center Tacoma, at manderson@wtcta.org or (253) 396-1022 for more information.
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, the greater Seattle-Tacoma region exported more than $53.9 billion worth of goods in 2007, with exports to Asia-Pacific countries representing the largest segment of exports. Washington’s trade industry is an economic driver with global reach, and promoting exports is one way to strengthen and diversify the state’s economy. In 2008, total exports for Washington state reached a record $66.8 billion.
Trade Week events will take place in locations across the state March 16-20 including Bellingham, Bellevue, Kent, Spokane, Seattle, and Wenatchee. In coordination with Trade Week, the Governor’s Trader of the Year Awards Reception, hosted by the World Trade Club, will take place Thurs., March 19, from 5:30 8 p.m. at the ShoWare Center in Kent. To register for the reception, contact info@worldtradeclub.net or visit http://www.worldtradeclub.net .
Trade Week in Tacoma is sponsored by Boeing, the Port of Tacoma, and the World Trade Center Tacoma. Trade Week 2009 is organized in partnership with Bellevue Chamber of Commerce, Bellingham Whatcom Economic Development Council, Boeing, City of Bellevue, Export Finance Assistance Center of Washington, International Trade Alliance, Kent Chamber of Commerce, Port of Chelan County, Port of Seattle, Port of Tacoma, U.S. Commercial Services, Washington Manufacturing Services, Washington State Department of Agriculture, Washington Small Business Development Centers, Washington Technology Industry Association, World Trade Center Tacoma, and the World Trade Club.
CTED is the lead state agency charged with enhancing and promoting sustainable community and economic vitality in Washington. For more information, visit http://www.cted.wa.gov .
