Now is the opportune time for small and medium-size
Louisiana enterprises to become involved in the global
marketplace through exporting, importing, and other trade
channels. Many companies are finding after Katrina and
Rita that they want to rebuild or expand the market base for
their goods and services and look abroad to increase sales,
while other firms are interested in sourcing from
internationally for products such as construction materials.
The burgeoning global economy offers almost unlimited
opportunities for those companies willing to spend the
time and make the effort to learn the "do's" and
"don'ts" and how the system works, instead of
plunging in without the proper training. Free Trade Agreements
with Canada, Mexico, Chile, Australia, Israel, Jordan,
Bahrain, Morocco, Singapore, and most recently Central America
offer a special bonus to U.S. firms. And Louisiana-based
companies have an additional competitive advantage with access
through the state's world-class port system to reach these and
many other global markets.
This series of one-day workshops will enable you to
learn the basics about exporting and importing from a team of
international trade specialists who will explain the
export-import process and cover the essentials of export
marketing and import sourcing, arranging transportation
and documentation, being aware of the legal pitfalls, securing
payment and trade finance, and understanding what
resources are available in Louisiana to assist you. At the
conclusion of the workshop, the speakers will be available to
meet with you for one-on-one consultations.
