Leaving Cincinnati on a Sunday I would start the toughest part of my journey, four cities in five days. Arrived very late Sunday night in Baltimore via Minneapolis due to cancellation of the original direct flight. The BRIC program started first thing Monday morning at a downtown hotel and featured an excellent keynote address by our Assistant Secretary for Trade Promotion, Suresh Kumar, followed by individual country plenary presentations on each of the four markets, and then concurrent breakout sessions on more specific aspects of doing business in these markets by successful US companies; a great program all in all, with over 100 business participants.
As noted earlier, these types of business outreach programs are put together by our outstanding domestic field and their local partners, in this case the Baltimore U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEAC) and the state of Maryland. Again, all I had to do was show up. Baltimore is a great venue for these types of programs because of its proximity to Washington, which makes it easy to bring in senior U.S. Department of Commerce management, our Market Access and Compliance country desk officers and Commerical Service Regional Directors; quite a formidable array of U.S. government resources all brought together to support our US business clients in a very practical and informative format.
As usual, the local USEAC set up meetings for me at the hotel with individual local companies interested in the Russian market, so after my presentation to the larger group and before hopping on a plane for my next city, I met with two local firms. One company, an experienced manufacturer and distributor of dental products with lots of international sales, was already established in Russia and was coming to me for advice on a problem with their exclusive Russian distributor. This is a pretty typical case for many US firms that come our way and we always try to do our best to help them out. The issue involved counterfeit products of the US company showing up in Russia, which was hurting legitimate sales. Intellectual property rights (IPR) is a big issue in Russia and one in which we are well equipped to assist, since we have a U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Attache that sits in our FCS office in Moscow and a Russian IP attorney on staff. I put the US firm in touch with our IPR staff in Moscow along with our Commercial Specialist who covers the medical sector, so they will be in good hands.
The second company was a well established manufacturer from Pennsylvania that sold duct work accessories into the HVAC sector in a number of foreign markets. They have had some passive export sales to Russia, but really wanted to do much more. I had a feeling we could really help this company so that day I put them in touch with our Moscow Commercial Specialist who covers this sector in order to start a dialogue and also looped in our Pittsburgh USEAC, which has worked with this company in the past. Looking ahead to possible trade promotion opportunities, I let this firm know about a proposed energy efficiency trade mission to Russia later this year that the US Dept of Energy is planning with support from our agency. This could be an interesting market entry vehicle for the company since the mission would be designed to bring Russian firms to the US and then take US firms to Russia in order consummate in-depth, long lasting business relationships.
Chris Wilken is the North Africa Desk Officer for Market Access and Compliance.
At least half of the companies returning from a recent trade mission to Tunisia have reported promising leads, indicating that they intend to return to the country to finalize deals. Ten U.S. companies participated in the Trade & Investment Mission, organized by the Department of State and joined by Assistant Secretary of Commerce Suresh Kumar. Mission participants included companies in renewable energy, private equity, defense/security, and telecommunications sectors. Companies had more than 70 meetings with potential local partners and Tunisian government officials. The goal of the trade mission was to foster ties between the American and Tunisian private sectors so that U.S. companies participate in Tunisia’s successful political transition.
Tunisia’s recent political changes have dramatically improved the business environment for American companies. The trade mission members were told by the new Tunisian officials of the high regard they hold for U.S. companies and their desire to see an increased U.S. business presence in the country. Government officials also indicated that they wish to move forward on a number of pro-business economic reforms. There is also a major push in Tunisia to focus on the prevention of corruption, a major grievance leading to the departure of President Ben Ali.
Today I was in El Paso, Texas with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Alan Bersin, Commissioner of the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol to highlight the importance of trade, border security, and the Border Export Strategy.
The International Trade Administration recently launched the Border Export Strategy (BES), which is a priority component of the National Export Initiative, which seeks to double exports from the U.S. by 2015 to support several million jobs.
The City of El Paso is an important gateway between the United States and Mexico, and total merchandise trade that passed through the El Paso district in 2010 amounted to $71.1 billion. More than 80 percent of this trade passed through the port of El Paso.
This strategy is designed to increase the export potential and opportunities for U.S. companies doing business along the shared Canadian and Mexican borders.
We are striving to enhance local public-private trade collaboration and support efforts to reduce trade barriers limiting secure and efficient commerce across our borders.
Despite security challenges in the border region, NAFTA trade statistics show a 29 percent increase in total trade between the U.S. and Mexico from 2009-2010. In addition to close collaboration on security and infrastructure issues in the interagency process, the Departments of Commerce and Homeland Security are working together to identify other potential areas for collaboration on U.S. exports. Potential areas include issues related to the Foreign Trade Zones, a review of the targeting efforts for goods and travelers, and technical assistance to other countries in the world, where customs operations are problematic for exporters and need to be modernized.
The City of El Paso sponsors a foreign-trade zone (FTZ) that is currently used by 19 different companies. In 2010, the El Paso FTZ handled $7.3 billion in merchandise – including $1.7 billion in exports – with more than 900 workers employed by the companies using the FTZ. The Foreign Trade Zone program is just one of the ways in which we can boost employment, manufacturing, and exports from the United States.
As we move forward with the implementation of the BES, I look forward to close collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security and the City of El Paso.
The U.S.-Mexico border is not a border economy. It is a vital part of the national economy of both nations, and I, for my part, will do what it takes to preserve, protect it and grow it.
I just returned to Mexico City after spending a few days in Minneapolis. I work for the U.S. Dept. of Commerce and am posted to the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City. What would bring me to deep winter from the pleasantly temperate largest city in the world?
I was invited to join an all-star cast at the National Export Initiative Conference: New Markets, New Jobs Tour, where over 350 small and medium –sized companies learned how to up their export game. President Obama’s challenge to double exports and create 2 million jobs was highlighted by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk, Small Business Administration Administrator Karen Mills, Chairman of the Export-Import Bank of the United States Fred Hochberg, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Kathleen Merrigan, Governor Mark Dayton and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak.
All I can say is wow—all these export superstars in one place to light a fire under companies to export. Only ONE percent of US companies export –what’s that about? It’s a big world out there –if you have a good product or service –THINK EXPORT! You know your competition is! Mexico is the second largest export market after Canada. Last year we helped over 500 U.S. companies sell into Mexico. You can be number 501! Just go to www.export.gov or www.buyusa.gov/mexico and we’ll see if you’ve got what it takes – I think you do!
Senior Commercial Officer Canada, Richard Steffens (left); Secretary of Commerce, Gary Locke (center), Senior Commercial Officer Mexico, Ann Bacher (right)
That’s me on the right Ann Bacher with our boss Sec. Locke in the middle and the guy who can help you get into the Canadian market on the left Rich Steffens. Start with the number one and two markets –Canada and Mexico today.
Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke and U.S Trade Representative Ambassador Ron Kirk were warmly welcomed by the Memphis business community during their visit here this past week.
The Secretary and Ambassador started their trip with a late night visit to FedEx’s global hub to see firsthand the millions of packages that make Memphis the world’s busiest cargo airport and an important center for U.S. exports.
Early the next day, the group traveled to Memphis based Smith & Nephew, a high tech manufacturer of orthopedic equipment. Smith & Nephew export half of what they produce in Memphis and employ hundreds of people in the Memphis area to support those exports. This venue provided an excellent backdrop for the Secretary and Ambassador to address a town hall meeting of nearly 50 Memphis based exporting companies. The meeting focused on the President’s National Export Initiative and how the Department of Commerce, USTR and business can work together to achieve the President’s goal of doubling exports in five years. The business community was energized by the speech and many in the audience were able to ask questions about the NEI and how they could take advantage of the program. The Secretary highlighted that the U.S. Commercial Service has partnered with Memphis based FedEx through the New Market Exporter Initiative to identify SMEs that currently export to one market, and that by working together we would assist these companies to find additional markets overseas.
Following the town hall meeting, local Commerce Department staff, including myself, were approached by many of the attendees asking for assistance. The event was definitely a success and my calendar is booked for the next few weeks meeting with companies that want to expand their exports.
The Secretary and Ambassador concluded their time in Memphis at a roundtable discussion with Memphis based exporters that currently export to Asia. They discussed the Trans Pacific Partnership and what it means for Memphis. Many of the executives spoke positively about their interaction with the U.S. Commercial Service. For example, Chris Schnee of Christie Medical Holdings, noted that his company had not exported two years ago, now they are in 40 countries after conducting over 35 Gold Key matchmaking services with the Commercial Service. He attributed their export success directly to the assistance provided by the local Memphis office of the Commercial Service.
The Secretary and Ambassador left Memphis later that day but as we engage with more companies in the coming weeks to help them expand into additional markets, the legacy of their trip will live on.
The Western Hemisphere is headed to Atlanta in November. My question is, are you?
United States Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke and Mayor Kasim Reed are co-hosting the fourth annual Americas Competitiveness Forum on November 14th to 16th here in Atlanta. More than 1,000 leaders from the 34 nations of the Americas, including heads of state, will attend this premier event for businesses and government to share new ideas for increasing competitiveness, promoting economic prosperity and raising the standard of living throughout the Americas.
This year’s ACF will focus on innovation and green technologies, education and workforce development, entrepreneurship and small business development, and supply chain connections.
I hope you can participate in this year’s Americas Competiveness Forum. For more information, please visit www.competitivenessforum.org. I hope to see you in Atlanta.
Todo el Hemisferio Occidental se dirige hacía Atlanta en Noviembre y me pregunto si van ustedes también.
El Secretario de Comercio de los Estados Unidos Gary Locke y el Alcalde de Atlanta Kasim Reed son los anfitriones del cuarto Foro de Competitividad de las Américas que se va a realizar aquí en la Ciudad de Atlanta, Georgia durante el 14 al 16 de noviembre de 2010. El ACF reunirá a más de 1000 líderes de los 34 países de las Américas y el Caribe, incluyendo a Jefes de Estado, para compartir nuevas ideas para promover competitividad, fomentar prosperidad económica, y aumentar el nivel de vida en las Américas.
En éste año, el ACF 2010 se enfocará en innovación y tecnologías eco-ambientales, educación y desarrollo de la fuerza laboral, desarrollo empresarial y de la pequeña empresa, y el comercio internacional, aduanas, logística y la cadena de suministro.
Espero que puedan participar en el Foro de Competitividad de las Américas. Para más información sobre el ACF, por favor visite www.competitivenessforum.org. Ojalá que nos veamos en Atlanta.
Melanie Kaplan is an intern in the Office of Advisory Committees and entering her junior year at Wellesley College.
Hot off the press: the Secretary of Commerce has appointed twenty-four members to his Manufacturing Council. When I first heard that I would be working on the Manufacturing Council, I envisioned the traditional “Midwestern steel” companies. After a week of working on the Manufacturing Council, I realized that domestic steel producers were only one part of it with other types of manufactures representing a wide variety of U.S. industries.
Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke (center) announces the appointment of 24 members of the Manufacturing Council
This spring, the Office of Advisory Committees did a nation-wide search for companies that would best represent the U.S. Manufacturing Sector. From small and medium enterprises (SME’s) to some of the largest manufacturing companies in the country, these companies will provide Secretary Locke with their unfiltered advice and expertise. The Manufacturing Council members announced by Secretary Locke yesterday afternoon at an official ceremony on Capitol Hill where the Secretary was joined by Senators Debbie Stabenow (MI), Sherrod Brown (OH), Jeff Merkley (OR) and Tom Udall (NM) represents the most diverse group of advisors in the Council’s history. The members, the companies and the industry sectors they represent are:
Bruce Sohn, President
First Solar, Inc., Chair (AZ)
Joseph B. Anderson, Jr., Chairman & CEO
TAG Holdings LLC, Vice Chair (MI)
Luis Arguello, President
DemeTech (FL)
Greg Bachmann, Chairman & CEO
Dymax Corporation (CT)
Richard M. Beyer, Chairman & CEO
Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. (TX)
Chandra Brown, President
Vice President
United Streetcar
Oregon Iron Works, Inc. (OR)
Daniel DiMicco, Chairman & CEO
Nucor Corporation (NC)
Al Fuller, Chief Executive Officer
Integrated Packaging Corporation (NJ)
Michael Gambrell, Executive Vice President
The Dow Chemical Company (MI)
David W. Hastings, Chairman & CEO
Mount Vernon Mills, Inc. (SC)
Mary Isbister, President
GenMet (WI)
Kellie Johnson, President
Ace Clearwater Enterprises (CA)
Fred Keller, Chairman & CEO
Cascade Engineering (MI)
Samuel Landol, Chief Operating Officer
Sealaska Corporation (AK/WA)
Michael Laszkiewicz, Vice President & General Manager
Automation Power Control Business, Rockwell Automation, Inc. (WI)
Daniel P. McGahn, President & COO
American Superconductor Corporation (MA)
James B. McGregor, Vice Chairman
The McGregor Metalworking Companies (OH)
Stephen MacMillan, President, CEO & Chairman
Stryker Corporation (MI)
David Melton,
President & CEO
Sacred Power Corporation (NM)
Jason W. Speer, Vice President & General Manager
Quality Float Works, Inc. (IL)
Ward J. Timken, Chairman
The Timken Company (OH)
Peter Ungaro, Chairman & CEO
CRAY (WA)
Jane L. Warner, Executive Vice President
Illinois Tool Works (IL)
Donna L. Zobel, Chairman & CEO
Myron Zucker (MI)
Ex Officio Members:
Steven Chu, U.S. Secretary of Energy
Hilda L. Solis, U.S. Secretary of Labor
Timothy F. Geithner, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury
Many of the companies listed above are the first from their sectors… to be included on the Manufacturing Council. As an intern this summer, I helped the staffers to create a council that encouraged diversity, going green and an understanding of corporate responsibility. One of my favorite parts of the vetting process was seeing the innovative ways the companies gave back to their local, national and global communities. I was also inspired by one of the Manufacturing Council appointees who spoke with such fervor about the “next generation of manufacturing” and how it can and will contribute to U.S. global competitiveness.
Previous Manufacturing Councils have discussed energy costs and alternatives, sustainable manufacturing, tax credits for research and development, market access as well as a variety of other topics. In the upcoming meetings, the issue of credit access for SME’s and how to best allocate resources from American Investment & Recovery Act may be a few of the hottest topics. Additionally, the Manufacturing Council may be involved in Assistant Secretary Nicole Lamb-Hale’s manufacturing trade mission “Manufacture America: Rethink, Retool, Rebuild to Support Jobs” in Fall 2010. Stay tuned for more updates on the Manufacturing Council’s first official meeting scheduled for September 2010…
We traveled from Poland to Prague, where the magnificence of the cobblestone streets and crumbling spires are as historic as the government tender that is currently open for bidding - the two new nuclear power plants scheduled for building represent the largest single U.S. commercial opportunity not only in Czech, but in all of Europe. The project is worth an estimated $27.5 billion, and will create thousands and thousands of jobs. If Westinghouse, one of three companies in the final running along with competitors from France and Russia, wins the bid, billions of those dollars will represent new U.S. exports, and thousands of those jobs will be high-paying U.S. jobs. We are promoting a fair and transparent procurement process, for if that happens, we are confident nobody can match the experience, expertise and technology of powerhouse Westinghouse. This is what the National Export Initiative is all about.
After touring the actual Czech build site at Temelin, we traveled by bus through the sun-flowered rolling hills onwards to Slovakia and the charming capital of Bratislava. One barely notices when crossing the border of these neighboring countries, and their commercial ties are deeply intertwined as well. In fact, the largest energy project currently in the works would be constructed and operated as a joint venture – 51% owned by the Slovak government and 49% owned by the Czech Energy Works. As we have throughout this trade mission, we enjoyed a warm welcome by our local staff as well as government counterparts, and candid discussions on opportunities and working together. The tender here reflects the importance of financing in landing these enormous deals – as private financing must be secured for the entire cost of the project. This is where our inter-agency efforts are critical, and our ability to provide access to capital and financing for our companies essential in enhancing our exports abroad.
I have spent the last few days in Warsaw, Poland, on the first stop of a Civil Nuclear Trade Mission. Traveling with me are other member of the Department of Commerce, as well as team leads from the Department of State and the Department of Energy. The impressive government team represents this Administration’s commitment not only to nuclear energy, but to working together as an inter-agency unit to fulfill the goals of the National Export Initiative. We also have the pleasure of the company of nine of America’s top companies in the nuclear energy sector, as well as representation from our academic community. Together we represent the leadership, skills, support, and partnership to help this region of the world meet their nuclear energy goals. And our strong ally and friend Poland is the perfect place to start – here’s to old friendships and new partnerships!
I have just returned from a trip to China where we focused on our NEI priorities through the Strategic and Economic Dialogue and a mid-year JCCT review. These two mechanisms are central in our efforts to encourage an open, transparent, and fair trading climate within this key market. I also visited the World Expo in Shanghai with Secretary Clinton’s delegation, and especially enjoyed my visit to the U.S. pavilion. The pavilion is not only a showcase of American promise, but the process that led to the pavilion’s existence is its own story of the collaboration and creativity of American companies and universities. Congratulations again to all of the American sponsors of the U.S. pavilion who made it such a great success.
