About
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Session I: 9 am to 12 pm
Session II: 1 pm to 4 pm
Alter Hall, the Fox Business School, MBA Commons, 7th Floor
WHAT?
Ongoing advances in innovative technology have created unparalleled prospects for U.S. companies in the international arena. The Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration Market Access and Compliance and Philadelphia U.S. Commercial Service, in partnership with the Economic Development Administration, the Minority Business Development Agency, and several strategic regional partners, has developed a no cost half day seminar. This seminar targets two distinct audiences highlighting the broad range of international opportunities in the Western Hemisphere, created through the success of existing free trade agreements. The morning session addresses the business community, while the afternoon session addresses educational institutions, organizations serving the academic community and students.
Seminar participants will engage senior government representatives, and leading experts from the private sector and academia, on key issues related to the U.S. economy and its relationship to the global marketplace. The program includes keynote speakers, panel discussions, and one-on-one meetings. For additional information, please see the draft agenda.
WHY?
The Western Hemisphere is an ideal export market for potential entrepreneurs, as well as existing U.S. companies. For example, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), in part due to geographic proximity, has given U.S. products a substantial competitive edge over goods from other countries. In 2007, total trade between the United States and Canada, one of our NAFTA partners, exceeded $560 billion. Mexico, our other NAFTA partner, is the second largest market in the world for U.S. exports. In 2007, two-way U.S.-Mexico trade in goods and services exceeded $1 billion per day. In 2006, U.S.-Mexico bilateral trade increased 377 percent. We have also seen substantial growth in the demand for U.S. exports following the implementation of the U.S.-Chile and U.S. –Central American free trade agreements.
The purpose of this event is to increase the knowledge of both established and potential business owners concerning regional export opportunities and to increase their understanding of the overall benefits of free trade. Each speaker will provide a practical overview of the fundamentals of doing business with our trading partners, which is key to developing a successful export strategy. Presenters will also discuss the broad range of career opportunities in the fields of international affairs and trade policy. Entrepreneurs will benefit from the private and public sector industry experts on hand to provide insight into identifying and targeting potential customers abroad.
WHO?
Are you an aspiring entrepreneur with a unique idea, but in need of additional resources or tools to conduct crucial research that will enable you to successfully introduce your product or service to a foreign market? Are you an existing small, medium-sized, or minority-owned U.S. company looking to expand your customer base? Are you a faculty member or student of an academic institution who desires a greater understanding of the global job market, and how U.S. exports support the U.S. economy? Are you interested in a career in the field of international business? Then you should make plans to attend this event!
WHEN?
The event will take place on Wednesday, February 25.
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. session which will address the business community;
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. session which will address the academic community
Both sessions will take place at Temple University’s Alter Hall, Fox Business School, MBA Commons, 7th floor, 1801 Liacouras Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19122.
This event is being held in partnership with Temple University’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Institute (IEI), and the Center for International Business and Education and Research (CIBER).
For nearby lodging, please consider the Conwell Inn (located on Temple University’s Main Campus) by visiting conwellinn.com or clicking here for additional lodging in the Philadelphia area