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The Road to Trade Winds ASEAN: Malaysia

February 14, 2023

Francis Peters is the Senior Commercial Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Malaysia. 

This is the third piece in a blog series about different markets that will be featured during Trade Winds 2023. 

This post contains external links. Please review our external linking policy.

U.S. businesses looking for opportunities to export to Southeast Asia should strongly consider Malaysia. A country with a growing upper-middle income population, Malaysia has a well-established legal framework, a business-friendly environment, and a large English-speaking worker and consumer base. With an increasingly receptive market for sophisticated products and services, including in technology, manufacturing, and healthcare, Malaysia remains the 19th largest trading partner of the United States, and trade between the two countries has nearly doubled over the last decade, peaking at $72.9 billion in 2022.

If you are a U.S. exporter looking to explore new emerging sectors, Malaysia’s position as a regional hub for technology, logistics, and manufacturing offers tremendous potential. Furthermore, since Malaysian consumers have fully adopted digital payment transactions, those who export consumer goods have low-cost access to the country’s wide consumer base. Ecommerce is expected to grow throughout the country, reaching 56 percent of Malaysians by 2027, with fashion, electronics, and beauty/health products expected to generate the highest revenue.

Malaysia has also become a leading global destination for international patients in Asia. The Malaysian government’s focus on providing world-class quality healthcare is driving demand for healthcare technology, medical devices, and digital health products and services. Other economic sectors are also rapidly expanding. The country aspires to be a regional aerospace hub and an integral part of the global aerospace supply chain, focusing on aerospace digital technology, advanced manufacturing (“Industry 4.0”) ecosystems, and human capital development—all of which present opportunities to enterprising U.S. firms.

Malaysia welcomes small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), which are generally perceived to be more flexible and result oriented in comparison to larger companies. For example, a California-based SME and U.S. Commercial Service client that manufactures silicone gripping aids for users with disabilities was able to partner with a Malaysian distributor and open up a new market for the company in 2022.

As a way to provide export opportunities for U.S companies in this region, we at the International Trade Administration (ITA) look forward to hosting a Trade Winds mission stop in Malaysia on March 16 as part of the Trade Winds Trade Mission and Business Forum. Although the business-to-business matchmaking meetings in Malaysia are at capacity, interested companies may still register for the Business Forum in Bangkok, which will take place from March 13-15, 2023. For more information, and to sign up, visit the Trade Winds ASEAN website.

Beyond Trade Winds, there are several other trade events for U.S. companies interested in exploring Malaysia. Please reach out to your local Commercial Service office for further information and opportunities to explore other markets across Southeast Asia. 

Other Upcoming Trade Events in Malaysia 

March 17, 2023: The U.S.-Malaysia Clean Tech Forum will be a platform to engage the Malaysian government and private sector in strengthening the clean economy through the implementation of U.S. technologies and expertise. Discussions will center on best practices in carbon mitigation and renewable energy, featuring experts from both countries. As this event is by invitation only, interested companies may contact the U.S. Commercial Service Malaysia to register.

May 23-27, 2023: The Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) is a maritime and aerospace exhibition that takes place once every two years in Langkawi, Malaysia. The last event took place in 2019. The show welcomes companies from the most diverse sectors of the aerospace and maritime industry, including space, civil, military, manufacturing technology, rotary, and MRO providers.

September 14, 2023: The Clinical Waste Trade Mission is an excellent opportunity for U.S. waste management exporters to explore market opportunities in Southeast Asia. The event will include matchmaking appointments, market briefings, policy-focused roundtables, site visits, and opportunities to build relationships with potential partners and representatives from the Ministry of Health and the Department of Environment.

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The Road to Trade Winds ASEAN: Vietnam

February 7, 2023

Steve Green is the Senior Commercial Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam. 

This is the third piece in a blog series about different markets that will be featured during Trade Winds 2023. 

This post contains external links. Please review our external linking policy.

The Vietnamese economy is one of the fastest growing in Asia, and American companies are increasingly looking there as a place to do business. Two-way trade in goods between the United States and Vietnam has increased dramatically over the past 28 years since the normalization of U.S.-Vietnam bilateral ties—from $450 million in 1995 to nearly $139 billion in 2022. If you’re a U.S. business looking to explore new opportunities, Vietnam offers tremendous potential worth considering.

Currently, Vietnam is the United States’ 8th largest goods trade partner and our largest goods trading partner in Southeast Asia. Key U.S. exports include agriculture, aviation, defense and security, healthcare, IT, environmental technology, power generation, and more. It is also the fastest-growing economy in Southeast Asia. Vietnam has a large population of potential consumers and workers as well—over 100 million people, 70 percent of whom are under the age of 40. Given our robust and growing trade relationship, the country’s rapid economic growth, and its sizable and young population, Vietnam presents numerous export opportunities for American companies across a variety of sectors. Altogether, U.S. goods and services exports to Vietnam supported more than 55,000 U.S. jobs in 2021.

This demonstration of increased commercial engagement comes at an opportune moment as this year our countries celebrate the 10th anniversary of the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership. Looking ahead, the United States seeks to elevate our relationship to a Strategic Partnership that will help advance the deep cooperation we have on trade and investment. For example, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has identified clean energy, health care, critical infrastructure, and technology as priority sectors to enhance its export finance portfolio in Vietnam, further expanding opportunities for U.S. businesses of all sizes.

As a way to provide export opportunities for U.S companies in this region, the International Trade Administration looks forward to hosting a Trade Winds mission stop in Vietnam on March 10 as part of our agency’s larger Trade Winds Trade Mission and Business Forum. Although the business-to-business matchmaking meetings in Vietnam are at capacity, interested companies may still register for the Business Forum in Bangkok, which will take place from March 13-15, 2023. For more information, and to sign up, visit the Trade Winds ASEAN website.

Beyond Trade Winds, there are several other trade events for U.S. companies interested in commercial engagement in Vietnam. Please reach out to your local Commercial Service office for further information and opportunities to explore Vietnam and other markets across Southeast Asia. 

Other Upcoming Trade Events in Vietnam 

August 3-5, 2023: The Vietnam International Medical and Pharmaceutical Exhibition is the Vietnamese Ministry of Health’s international trade fair covering medical technology showcasing the latest achievements of the healthcare industry in Vietnam. Exhibitors come from all over the world to find new business partners in Vietnam’s growing healthcare sector. 

November 2023: The U.S.-Vietnam Trade Forum is the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade’s annual flagship platform to showcase progress in the bilateral commercial relationship and discuss collaboration opportunities in the country’s highest-potential industry sectors. 

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The Road to Trade Winds ASEAN: Thailand

January 25, 2023

John Breidenstine is the ASEAN Regional Senior Commercial Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Thailand.

This is the second piece in a blog series about different markets that will be featured during Trade Winds 2023. 

This post contains external links. Please review our external linking policy.

U.S. businesses looking to grow their bottom line through export sales would be well advised to consider Thailand, the largest economy in mainland Southeast Asia and one that is increasingly important globally. Central to the future of the Indo-Pacific Region, Thailand is the United States’ oldest friend, partner, and ally in Asia, with this year marking the 190th anniversary of diplomatic relations.  

With overall bilateral trade jumping 50 percent over the past two years, Thailand is the 26th largest export destination for the United States and saw $12.7 billion in U.S. exports in 2021, 13 percent more than in 2020. In turn, the United States is Thailand’s largest export market, followed by China, Japan, and Vietnam. As such, the trade and investment relationship between our countries is on the up, with numerous U.S. companies pursuing opportunities across a variety of sectors.

U.S. small, medium and large businesses in the energy, digital, infrastructure, healthcare, aerospace and defense sectors – among others – can find success in Thailand’s market if they offer innovative and high-quality products and work closely with local distributors and partners. There are numerous reasons that Thailand is an outstanding place to do business: it has an open culture; low cost of living; a large, skilled, and adaptable workforce; a strong and diversified manufacturing base; and a range of government incentives for businesses.

Fittingly, the International Trade Administration chose Bangkok, Thailand, as this year’s location for the Trade Winds Trade Mission and Business Development Forum, March 13-15. Well over 200 participants are expected to attend and take advantage of this dynamic networking opportunity. The Business Development Forum will feature meetings with U.S. commercial diplomats from over 20 Asian countries, business-to-business matchmaking meetings, and engagements with Thai government officials, all of which will provide U.S. companies with information and insight into potential opportunities and partnerships across a variety of markets. Concurrently, a SelectUSA Tech Seminar on March 14 will give Asia-Pacific, early-stage technology companies the practical information and tools that they need to launch their businesses in the United States. On March 15, startups will pitch before a panel of judges to win an opportunity to attend and present during the May 1-4 SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, DC. 

To sign up to attend the Trade Winds Mission and Business Forum in Bangkok, go here, then click REGISTER. When prompted, select Business Forum Only. The registration fee is $750 per attendee.

Beyond Trade Winds, there are several other trade events for U.S. companies interested in exploring Thailand. Please reach out to your local Commercial Service office for further information and opportunities to explore Thailand and other markets across Southeast Asia.

Other Upcoming Trade Events in Bangkok

March 13-17, 2023: The Asia-Pacific Association for International Education Conference offers delegates from around the world the opportunity to share best practices and learn more about the innovative ways in which Asia Pacific universities are partnering across the region and with the world.

May 17-19, 2023: Future Energy Asia will convenes the world’s national gas, LNG, power and renewable energy leaders in person in the region’s most important industry platform to engage in strategic dialogues that will help shape the energy transition and transformation of the next decade.

May 24, 2023: The Smart Cyber Security Summit is a complimentary, invite-only exhibition and conference tailored for senior decision makers and end-user professionals.

June 14-17: ProPak Asia is the region’s number one international trade event for food, drink, and pharmaceutical processing and packaging technology.

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Hispanic Heritage Month: Business and Career Advice from Three Entrepreneurs

October 13, 2022

Christopher Munoz is an International Trade Specialist with the U.S. Commercial Service in Miami, Florida.

This post contains external links. Please review our external linking policy.

A graphic that reads, "National Hispanic Heritage Month" on a purple background. Below the text is an image of the International Trade Administration logo.

It’s an important time in America. September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month, and this year’s theme, “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation,” acknowledges that our nation becomes stronger as we combine our diverse cultural talents and values.

At ITA, we use this time to honor the contributions of those in the Hispanic community, including those in the field of international business and trade. At our recent Discover Global Markets: The Blue Economy event—ITA’s flagship business networking forum—we spoke with three exporters of Hispanic descent representing the fields of marine science, port security, and dredging. Each spoke about their experiences and their advice for entrepreneurs interested in exploring exporting.

  • Tony Lizarraga is the international sales director of Novak Technologies in Miami, Florida. Tony’s wife founded their business in 2013 based on opportunities she saw to sell U.S.-made security products to countries/governments in Central and South America. When they encountered business financing issues, Tony and his wife consulted ITA’s U.S. Commercial Service in Miami, which connected them with the Florida Export Finance Corporation, resulting in the financing they needed to take revenues from $200K in 2013 to $6.5 million in 2022. Our team also connected them with key decision makers in several countries in the realms of government, ports, airports and more, which helped Novak Security pitch its products. Tony’s advice is “do not hesitate to reach out and ask for help and resources from the U.S. government.” 
  • Jaime Lara has worked for 8 years at Hydronalix in Green Valley, Arizona, which produces drones used in crisis/natural impacted areas to assist with rescue operations and more. Impressed with Hydronalix’s humanitarian work, Jaime applied for an internship there and received a full-time position afterward. An electrical engineer by training, Jaime was given autonomy over his projects and thought of uses for drones that the company did not originally see. He is now a project manager with several National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) research grant proposals under his belt – he says nearly every product Hydronalix developed started as a NOAA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant. Jaime recommends that young professionals “take risks, put yourself out there, apply for scholarships, and work hard.” 
     
  • Andres Borasino is International Sales Manager at Ellicott Dredge, LLC in Houston, which makes dredging equipment for navigation, mining and infrastructure projects. He came to the United States after college in Peru led to an internship at Shell. He then became the Latin American sales rep for a solar company in Texas. Andres says that coming from a diverse background gave him an awareness and appreciation for diverse business cultures which can frustrate people who are not used to working outside of the United States. Andres has been working with our U.S. Commercial Service for the past 15 years and got involved with the Houston District Council in 2022. His advice is to “stick with an opportunity until you get the most of it. Immerse yourself in an experience.” 

In addition to grants and opportunities offered by ITA and Commerce bureaus (to include the Minority Business Development Agency), we encourage women and minority-owned small and medium-size enterprise owners also consider reaching out to agencies and organizations such as the Small Business Administration 8(a) Business Development Program,  Latino Business Action Network, and United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. 

As an International Trade Specialist with the U.S. Commercial Service’s office in Miami, I encourage all in the Hispanic community to consider the benefits of exporting internationally. Please reach out to our team so we can help you in your pursuits to provide solutions and deliver results that benefit all communities.

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A Mission to Explore Southeast Asia’s Hot Healthcare Market

September 28, 2022

Arun Venkataraman is the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service

Assistant Secretary Venkataraman speaks while seated between two other panel members.
Assistant Secretary Venkataraman speaks during a panel discussion at the American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore.

Last week, ITA wrapped a trade mission covering two of the hottest topics in trade: healthcare and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF). As a leader in healthcare innovation, the United States has much to offer consumers across Southeast Asia—a region of almost 700 million people! With President Biden’s focus to increase our competitive edge in Asia, the timing couldn’t be better for a trade mission to explore new market opportunities on the other side of the Pacific.

To that end, last week I led 12 U.S. companies on a Healthcare Trade Mission to Southeast Asia, namely Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam, which are all upgrading their healthcare regulations and infrastructure, making them ideally suited to benefit from high-quality U.S. products and services.

Thailand, which has a robust medical travel market, has recently passed extensive medical device regulations that U.S. companies in the healthcare space need to know about. Since U.S. healthcare firms and manufacturers have a strong reputation for quality, after-sales service, and training support, they are well positioned to assist Thailand in fulfilling its needs. Our trip was a fruitful one, with U.S. businesses engaging in one-on-one meetings with potential buyers and partners, which will foster growth in both countries.

Malaysia was one of the first Southeast Asian economies to upgrade their medical device regulations. In 2021, the United States, thanks to our high-quality equipment industries, has maintained our position as the top exporting country of medical devices to Malaysia. Malaysia is now expanding its infrastructure, and because of the inroads we’ve made, we are well-positioned to offer innovative solutions such as digital health, telemedicine, imaging equipment, in-vitro diagnostics, cardiology, and genomics sequencing for precision medicine.

Also, U.S. health care trade in Vietnam has perhaps the greatest potential for development, as Vietnam’s growing middle class is driving increasing demand for high-quality healthcare infrastructure and services, and in recent years the country has also enacted decrees to increase oversight over the medical device sector. The high quality that U.S. companies provide, as well as the innovative healthcare solutions that U.S. companies have available, position the United States as a top choice for Vietnam. Through trade with Vietnam, U.S. companies can reduce the length of hospital stays while facilitating outpatient care and treatment, thereby contributing to lower health care costs while saving and extending countless lives.

People sitting across from each other at tables engage in discussions.
Healthcare Trade Mission participants engage in one-on-one meetings with ITA experts.

Another major purpose of my trip was to promote U.S. trade in this strategic and growing region, which is why I made an important stop before the mission to Singapore, a country viewed by many companies as a trade gateway to Asia. Last year we launched the U.S.-Singapore Partnership for Growth and Innovation (PGI), an initiative designed to significantly expand our economic partnership with Singapore and the ASEAN region, beginning in four areas: digital economy, energy and environmental technologies, advanced manufacturing, and health care. I had the opportunity to meet with Singaporean officials and U.S. and Singaporean businesses to not only hear about the progress we’ve made in these areas, but also how we can further expand bilateral commercial collaboration and build on nearly two decades of growth bolstered by our historic free trade agreement!

While the healthcare sector is not an explicit IPEF focus area, my travel to these countries also allowed me to underscore that the pursuit of IPEF commitments among Indo-Pacific partners has strong potential to deepen commercial ties and increase benefits across the economy, including for health care companies, workers, and consumers. This includes, among other areas: goals of building an environment of trust and confidence in the digital economy and advancing resilient and secure digital infrastructure and platforms; minimizing disruptions and vulnerabilities in the supply chain; and promoting transparency and integrity in government procurement practices. 

Given IPEF as well as our bilateral initiatives, Southeast Asia will continue to be an important region of the world to watch in weeks and months ahead. Next month we’ll be leading an Advanced Manufacturing Trade Mission to Indonesia, Singapore, and Japan. In November, we will lead an Aerospace and Defense Trade Mission to Indonesia. And we’ll be returning to the region in March 2023 when Trade Winds, the largest U.S. government annual trade mission, heads to Bangkok with mission stops to five other countries in the region. Visit the Trade Winds ASEAN web page to learn more!

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25 Years Later: Honoring the Memory of the Lives Lost on April 3, 1996

April 2, 2021

Diane Farrell is the Acting Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade

A stainless steel cross memorializes Secretary Ronald H. Brown and 34 others in Croatia.
A stainless steel cross memorializes Secretary Ronald H. Brown and 34 others in Croatia.

April 3, 1996 is a somber day in the history of the U.S. Department of Commerce and the International Trade Administration (ITA). On that day 25 years ago, a flight carrying Secretary of Commerce Ronald H. Brown and 34 others crashed in poor weather on approach to Dubrovnik, Croatia and all aboard perished. Among the victims were 11 other Commerce officials, including five of our own from ITA.

They were on a trade mission to not only support U.S. business interests, but to assist and enable the development of a newly independent Croatia. In the words of President Bill Clinton, they were on a “mission of peace and hope,” and “[t]hey believe that America, through their efforts, could help to restore a broken land, help to heal a people of their hatreds, help to bring a better tomorrow through honest work and shared enterprise.”

This is important work and it is the work we do at ITA.

We honor their legacy by presenting awards in their memory each year. I would like to ask you to please take a moment with me to commemorate those five ITA employees whose loss we still feel.

ITA Employees from left to right: Stephen Kaminski, Charles Meissner, Bill Morton, Lawrence Payne, Naomi Warbasse

Stephen Kaminski, 40, was a Senior Commercial officer in the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service serving in Vienna, Austria and developing Commerce’s strategy for Croatia and Bosnia. He joined the Department of Commerce as an international economist for the Maritime Administration in 1975 and went on to serve postings as a commercial officer in Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Tokyo, and Washington, D.C. For his work in Japan, Stephen was awarded the Department of Commerce Gold Award for working to ensure U.S. companies would enjoy access to major projects in Japanese markets. Each year, ITA awards The Stephen C. Kaminski Award in Stephen’s honor to the ITA employee who exercised the greatest degree of diplomatic skill and ability in furthering trade relations with one or more of America’s trading partners during the previous year. Stephen hailed from Baltimore, Maryland and was a graduate of Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.

Charles “Chuck” Meissner, 54, was serving as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for International Economic Policy and responsible for international commercial policy development. He was the key policy adviser to Secretary Brown in promoting economic stability in the post-war environment. Prior to his work in ITA, Chuck spent 20 years in the private and public sectors working on financial, monetary, and trade policy. He began his government career as the Japan Desk Officer and Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary for International Affairs at the Department of Treasury in 1971 and held distinguished posts as part of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, throughout the State Department, on the Economic Committee of NATO and as the U.S. negotiator on North-South issues in the United Nations and others at the Chemical Bank and World Bank. The Charles F. Meissner Award is awarded by ITA every year in Chuck’s honor to the ITA unit that best exemplified the ideals of dedication to excellence, selfless commitment to duty, and cooperation with others in the accomplishment of ITA goals during the previous year. Chuck was a Wisconsin native, held three degrees from the University of Wisconsin, and received multiple decorations during his U.S. Army service in Vietnam in 1969 and 1970.

William “Bill” Morton, 35, was serving as Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Development and was a long-time trusted aid to Secretary Brown coordinating the Secretary’s travel and helping develop, manage, and implement Secretary Brown’s trade missions and conferences. He was a consistent help in shaping the purpose, tone, message, and logistics for Secretary Brown. Bill previously served in the Department as Assistant Director for Operations and Regional Management at the Minority Business Development Agency where he oversaw the operations of five regional offices, four district offices, and Washington, D.C.-based staff. The William E. Morton Award is awarded in Bill’s honor each year to the ITA employee who made the strongest contribution during the previous year to increasing opportunities, within ITA or in the U.S. international trading community, for members of historically disadvantaged groups. Bill was a Georgetown University graduate and a Colorado native.

Lawrence “Lawry” Payne, 41, was a Special Assistant in the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service’s Office of Domestic Operations. Prior to his service in the Department of Commerce, Lawry had staffed former Senator Paul Tsongas as a legislative assistant focused on trade and foreign policy issues, worked on multiple presidential campaigns, spent time on Wall Street, and was the owner and operator of an independent chain of homemade gourmet ice cream and yogurt shops in New England. The Lawrence M. Payne Award is awarded to the ITA employee who did the most to create and facilitate cooperative efforts between the public and private sectors to promote international trade during the prior year in Lawry’s honor. Lawry was a bicyclist and photographer with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School.

Naomi Warbasse was the Deputy Director of the Central and Eastern Europe Business Information Center (CEEBIC) and at 24 was the youngest of the delegation. As part of her duties with CEEBIC, Naomi provided business counseling to U.S. companies interested in exporting to or investing Central and Eastern European countries with a focus on CEEBIC’s Poland and Bosnia programs. She was also the desk officer for Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Among her accomplishments with Commerce were working White House conferences for trade and investment in Central and Eastern Europe and Ireland and the Fourth West-East Conference of Ministers of Economy, Industry and Trade of the G-7 and Reforming Countries. The Naomi P. Warbasse Award is awarded to the most outstanding new ITA employee exemplifying the ideals of excellence, dedication and achievement in Naomi’s honor each year. Naomi began her studies at Johns Hopkins University at 16 and after receiving her Bachelor’s in Political Science, earns a Masters in Eastern European Studies at George Washington University.

Our five ITA colleagues, led by Secretary Brown, were accompanied by 29 other U.S. government officials, corporate executives, aircrew, Croatian citizens and media who also lost their lives in this noble pursuit. Let us also remember them.

U.S. Department of Commerce

  • Duane Christian, Security Officer
  • Adam N. Darling, Confidential Assistant, Office of the Deputy Secretary
  • Gail E. Dobert, Deputy Director, Acting Director, Office of Business Liaison
  • Carol L. Hamilton, Press Secretary and Acting Director of the Office of Public Affairs
  • Kathryn E. Hoffman, Special Assistant to the Secretary
  • Kathryn E. Kellogg, Confidential Assistant, Office of Business Liaison

Other U.S. Government agencies

  • Lee F. Jackson, Executive Director, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), U.S. Department of Treasury
  • James M. Lewek, Economic Reconstruction Expert, Interagency Balkan Task Force, Central Intelligence Agency

Corporate Executives

  • Barry L. Conrad, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Barrington Group, Miami
  • Paul Cushman III, Chairman and Chief Executive of Riggs International Banking Corp., Washington, DC
  • Robert E. Donovan, President and Chief Executive of ABB Inc., Norwalk, CT
  • Claudio Elia, Chairman and Chief Executive of Air & Water Technologies Corp., Branchburg, NJ
  • David Ford, President and Chief Executive of InterGuard Corp., the Luxembourg Subsidiary of Guardian Industries, Auburn Hills, MI
  • Frank Maier, President of Enserch International Ltd., Dallas
  • Walter J. Murphy, Vice President of Global Sales at AT&T Submarine Systems, Morristown, NJ
  • Leonard J. Pieroni, Chairman and Chief Executive of Parsons Corp., Pasadena, CA
  • John Scoville, Chairman of Harza Engineering Co., Chicago
  • Donald Terner, President of Bridge Housing Corp., San Francisco
  • Stuart Tholan, Senior Vice President of Bechtel Enterprises, San Francisco
  • Robert A. Whittaker, Vice President of Foster Wheeler Corp., Clinton, NJ

Media

  • Nathaniel C. Nash, New York Times, Frankfurt Bureau Chief

Crew

  • Captain Ashley J. Davis, Pilot
  • Captain Timothy W. Schafer, Co-Pilot
  • Staff Sgt. Gerald Aldrich, Crew Chief and Flight Mechanic
  • Staff Sgt. Robert Farrington Jr., Steward
  • Technical Sgt. Shelly A. Kelly, Steward
  • Technical Sgt. Cheryl A. Turnage, Steward

Croatians

  • Niksa Antonini, Photographer
  • Dragica Lendic Bebek, Interpreter

Again, the words of President Clinton spoken at Dover Air Force Base 25 years ago are appropriate to recall again today: “In their memory and in their honor, let us resolve to continue their mission of peace and healing and progress.” The work continues.

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Top 5 Reasons Your FinTech Company Should Join Our Roadshow to Brazil

August 3, 2018

This post contains external links. Please review our external linking policy.

Paul Frost is a U.S. Commercial Service Commercial Officer and currently serves as Deputy Team Leader for the Global Financial Services Team.

Graphic showing architecture unique to Brazil announcing the Brazil Fintech Roadshow from September 17-19, 2018.

According to Finnovista, an impact platform improving access to digital finance through the acceleration and cross-pollination of ideas, organizations and emerging talents, Brazil is home to the largest number of FinTech startups in Latin America. Highlighting this trend, the U.S. Commercial Service is partnering with Finnovista and PHM International to host a certified Trade Mission for U.S. investors, incubators, and FinTech companies in São Paulo, Brazil on September 17-19, 2018.

The FinTech Roadshow to Brazil provides an excellent opportunity for U.S. firms to promote their business and connect with leading companies in Brazil’s FinTech and financial sectors. U.S. participants will have the opportunity for several one-on-one meetings with executives from pre-qualified, vetted Brazilian FinTech and financial companies, startups, insurance companies, and other relevant institutions.

Brazil is #1 in Latin America for money transfers and savings, and has seen 188 new startups in the past 18 months. If that isn’t enough to get you thinking about doing business in Brazil, check out our top five benefits for joining this Certified Trade Mission:

  1. Meet one-on-one in private, pre-qualified meetings with companies convened by the U.S. Consulate

The same level of meetings would likely require a minimum of two to three trips to meet the same number of high-level professionals. This is a major advantage and a significant savings in time, expenses and opportunity cost. And as the old adage goes: “Time is Money.”

  1. Full contact information on all qualified Brazilian attendees

There is a cost in time and energy involved in identifying prospects, securing contact information, contacting prospects, convincing them to meet and then coordinating the schedule in an efficient manner. A major benefit to the FinTech Roadshow trade mission is that everything takes place in one day and all  pre-qualified and vetted Brazilian FinTech companies come to you.

  1. Briefing by U.S. Embassy and Brazilian experts

The U.S. Consulate is the “convener of stature” for the FinTech Roadshow to Brazil trade mission which lends a prestige to the event, helps guarantee the quality of the attendees, and limits the attrition prior to the event.

  1. No commissions or sales generated from Trade Mission

There are no commissions charged on any deal – investment, partnership, or sale you generate from the trade mission – ever.

  1. Last, but not least, a networking reception at the U.S. Consulate General Residence in São Paulo

This speaks for itself. You will have the opportunity to network with the movers and shakers, i.e., key decision makers in your industry.

For more information on the FinTech Roadshow to Brazil, to register for the event, and for sponsorship opportunities, please visit: www.phmintl.com/brazil-roadshow or contact Paul.Frost@trade.gov.

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Maritime Trade Partnership Leads to Big Returns for Small Businesses

August 17, 2017

By Patrick Morris, Intern, Office of Strategic Partnerships

The International Trade Administration’s (ITA) Global Marine Technology Team has been working since 2010 to help grow U.S. exports of marine technology. This specialized team helps U.S. marine technology companies take advantage of worldwide sales opportunities and engage in partnerships with U.S. maritime industry leaders. A mutual interest to support U.S. marine technology exports has forged a notable Strategic Partnership between ITA and The Maritime Alliance (TMA) that is yielding big wins for small businesses.

California-based firm, Blue Robotics, pitches their product to potential buyers at Ocean Business.

California-based firm Blue Robotics pitches its product to potential buyers at Ocean Business.

TMA, a non-profit industry association based in San Diego and an ITA Strategic Partner since 2014, represents one of the largest marine technology communities in the United States and the world. TMA promotes sustainable, science-based ocean and water industries to create jobs and encourage the development of marine or ‘blue’ technology. TMA and ITA collaborate on education, policy and technology resources, information sharing, networking, and outreach to promote innovation and economic development to expand the blue economy.

In 2016 TMA was selected as a recipient for ITA’s Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP), and received $297,000 from ITA to enhance exports from U.S. marine technology firms.

TMA used this funding to launch the first U.S. Maritime Technology Export Initiative (USMTEI) – a three-year project supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their trade promotion endeavors. Through USMTEI, funding goes directly to U.S. companies to offset the total cost of participation in trade events by up to 50 percent.

Arizona-based firm, Hydronalix, demos its technology during the Rotterdam stop of the trade mission.

Arizona-based firm Hydronalix demos its technology during the Rotterdam stop of the trade mission.

In 2017, USMTEI supported U.S. companies at three separate events: the inaugural Oceanology International North America trade show in San Diego, Ocean Business in Southampton, UK, and a trade mission to Europe.

Oceanology International North America attracted 3,100 visitors, 161 exhibitors, and conference delegates from 39 U.S. states and 46 countries.  TMA organized 75 business-to-business matchmaking meetings between USMTEI companies and potential foreign partners. To complement the matchmaking program, ITA trade specialists working in European, Latin American, and Asian markets participated in nine export counseling meetings with USMTEI companies and conducted more than 25 additional individual consultations with other U.S. companies at the show. In addition, ITA organized a conference session highlighting marine technology opportunities in Brazil, Denmark, Mexico and Singapore, and assisted TMA in recruiting potential foreign buyers to the show.

Ocean Business and the trade mission to Europe showcased export programs, business-to-business matchmaking, and policy discussions between TMA and its European counterparts. A total of 11 U.S. SMEs participated in both activities, and each company benefitted from the trade leads obtained at the events.

Mark Gundersen, President and CEO of Marine Advanced Research commented, “TMA and ITA exceeded my expectations with the USMTEI. We had a packed schedule before, during, and after Ocean Business, meeting with companies and organizations in our industry. You would be hard pressed to find another way to open as many doors in such a short amount of time.”

While Rusty Jehangir, Founder of Blue Robotics, said “As a young, small business, the programs offered by USMTEI, TMA and ITA provided us with an invaluable opportunity to reach new customers and companies.”

As for the future of the USMTEI, TMA intends to support 12-16 U.S. companies to exhibit in the U.S. BlueTech Pavilion at Oceanology International 2018 in London, and lead a follow-up trade mission to Europe.

Online applications to participate in the USMTEI’s 2018 European programs are live, and those who are interested in expanding their company’s export opportunities are encouraged to apply: https://bluetechexports.org/the-maritime-alliance/. For more information on the work of ITA’s Global Marine Technology team and the role ITA plays in promoting blue technology please visit http://2016.export.gov/industry/marine/ or contact Maryanne Burke at Maryanne.Burke@trade.gov.

 

Posted in Export Assistance, Strategic Partners, Success Stories, Trade Missions, Trade Shows | Comments Off on Maritime Trade Partnership Leads to Big Returns for Small Businesses

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Meet the Experts Through ITA Trade Events

July 13, 2017

By Anne Driscoll, Assistant Secretary for Industry & Analysis and Tom McGinty, National Director for U.S. Operations, U.S. Commercial Service

No matter what business you’re in, chances are that as an exporter you use U.S. and international trade shows and industry or market-focused workshops, seminars, and conferences as part of your marketing mix.  As the federal agency primarily responsible for international trade matters, ITA understands this and works to fulfill the needs of companies that export with an eclectic mix of events.

Major Trade Shows

At 25 or more major U.S. industry shows every year, ITA provides export experts who counsel, offer market briefings, and connect U.S. exhibitors to international buyers. The International Buyer Program adds significant value to your trade show experience. While you’re working hard to connect with buyers at your booth, ITA brings the connections, information, and expertise to you. To see which shows are participating in the International Buyer Program this year, visit export.gov/ibp.

Export-focused, U.S.-based In-person Events

These events address common exporter interests and offer expert, on-site trade counseling and export education. Some events are short, single-topic events; others cover the full spectrum of international trade issues. Typical shorter in-person events include “export 101,” “e-commerce” or “export compliance” workshops. Full-scale conferences like the U.S.-based Discover Global Markets and internationally based Trade Winds series offer an industry or regional focus and come with a wide spectrum of activities including one-on-one appointments with U.S. commercial diplomats based overseas; business-to-business matchmaking meetings with foreign buyers; briefings that relate to particular industry export issues; and plenty of opportunities for networking with fellow exporters, export service providers, and U.S. and foreign government officials. To find out more about in-person events, visit export.gov/discoverglobalmarkets OR export.gov/tradewinds.

Trade Missions

These events bring U.S. companies to international markets to explore and pursue export opportunities by meeting directly with potential buyers, partners, or distributors in their sector. Trade Missions capitalize on the extensive connections and expertise of ITA staff worldwide, and can typically accommodate 10-25 companies. Missions offer meetings with pre-screened foreign buyers; networking with local industry multipliers; market briefings from ITA and local business and government experts; and site visits. Mission participation is by application and selection, and you can get more information about how the process works at export.gov/trade-missions.

Webinars

These are free, quick, easy ways to get up to speed on a variety of topics and hear from government and private sector experts. ITA sponsors webinars every month and topics range from export compliance to cybersecurity and market entry tips. Webinars are also typically held prior to in-person events and can help exporters learn more before committing to participation. For more information about ITA webinars visit export.gov/webinars.

For general exporting information and resources or to find an office near you, visit export.gov/services.

 

Posted in Trade Missions, Trade Shows | Tagged | Comments Off on Meet the Experts Through ITA Trade Events

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Automotive Parts Trade Missions to Nicaragua and Honduras, September 26-28

June 7, 2017

Todd Peterson, is an International Trade Specialist in the Office of Transportation and Machinery and Team Lead for the Auto Care Association’s Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP)

The International Trade Administration and Auto Care Association are excited to announce two trade missions to Nicaragua and Honduras for 2017, as part of the Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP) award the association received from the U.S. Department of Commerce to support export promotion projects in Latin America.  Companies do not have to be a member of the Auto Care Association to apply.

The Automotive Parts Trade Missions to Nicaragua and Honduras are designed to inform participants of the local market and provide access to key industry contacts. The number of mission participants is intentionally limited to ensure customized and well-targeted matchmaking scheduling. In addition, U.S. Embassy staff will provide country commercial briefings on the legalities and nuances of doing business in those markets, with the schedule rounded out to include industry-specific networking receptions and site visits. The Auto Care Association’s upcoming missions are an extremely cost-effective way to expand your business prospects in Latin America. The package includes personalized business-to-business matchmaking meetings with foreign industry executives, hotel accommodations and local transportation, networking receptions, interpreters, and country briefings.

The U.S. auto parts sector continues to be one of the largest contributors to total U.S. exports.  In 2016, the U.S. exported over $81 billion in auto parts worldwide. One of the promising, but overlooked regions for U.S. automotive aftermarket parts exports is Latin America, particularly Honduras and Nicaragua. Demand for aftermarket auto parts and repair services in these three markets is increased due to aging vehicles.  In addition, there is a high level of used-car sales and deteriorating road conditions.

In addition, these countries are Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners with the United States, which increases U.S. market access by breaking down potential market entry barriers. FTA partnership, product quality, available warranties and geographic proximity, all contribute to the United States having a competitive advantage when entering Latin American markets. Under the Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), 100 percent of U.S. consumer and industrial goods exports to the region are no longer subject to tariffs. Since the CAFTA-DR implementation, export to the region have increased by at least 62 percent.  The United States is Honduras and Nicaragua’s largest trade and economic partner.

For more information on auto parts exports, please see ITA’s Top Markets Report for Automotive Parts.  For more information on the trade mission see www.autocare.org/trade-missions.

Recognizing the opportunities for automotive aftermarket suppliers in Latin America, the International Trade Administration (ITA) awarded the Auto Care Association a three-year matching award of just under $300,000 to support activities designed to help boost exports to that region. This Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP) has already had two successful automotive trade missions to Latin America.  The first mission went to Peru, followed by a mission to Guatemala 2016. There is also an upcoming trade mission to Colombia, June 7-8 that is closed.

The deadline to register for the Nicaragua and Honduras mission is July 31, 2017.

For more information contact:

Kellie Holloway  or Todd Peterson 

 

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