INTERNATIONAL TRADE: June 27, 2018

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international trade team - michigan economic development corp

MichiganBusiness.org

June 27, 2018

A new look to the michiganbusiness.org site!

website

After several months of dedicated work, MEDC has launched the refreshed michiganbusiness.org website. The refreshed site was designed for better usability on both desktop and mobile applications and better highlights the work MEDC is doing throughout Michigan. New features include an updated homepage and services section, as well as a specific section for Michigan’s target industries, our reports and data, and an updated news section and media press room.

MEDC will continually work to update content and implement new features to serve you better. Check out the new look today by clicking here

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Upcoming Events

China

China Trade Mission

September 14-22, 2018
Hosted by: MEDC
Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Shanghai
Registration Deadline: June 29, 2018
Cost: $1,500 per company | $300 per additional participant
Only a few spots remaining – Register here!

Join senior State government officials for a trade mission to China. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation will lead the trade mission and bring 10 Michigan companies to China to meet stakeholders, influencers, and decision makers in the world’s second largest economy. Participation in the mission includes pre-mission assessment of the Chinese market, in-country briefings, turnkey logistics support, B2B matchmaking services, networking events with high-level business and government officials, and a customized day-by-day itinerary.

For more information, please contact Weiwei Lu, MEDC International Trade Development Manager, at luw@michigan.org or by calling 616-540-4964.


India

Last Chance to Register: India Trade Mission

September 21-29, 2018
Hosted by: Automation Alley
New Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune
Registration Deadline: June 15, 2018
Cost: $4,500 members | $5,500 non-members
Register here!

Automation Alley is seeking companies for its trade mission to India, one of the fastest growing economies in the world. This award-winning program consistently introduces small and medium-sized businesses to new high-growth markets and opportunities to expand and diversify local products, services and technologies abroad. Automation Alley's trade missions are results-driven, having generated more than $900 million in export sales for Michigan companies.

Participants of Automation Alley's trade mission to India will travel to New Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai and Pune to attend matchmaking meetings with potential buyers, end users and key industry players.

Participation is limited to 10 companies. The deadline to register is June 15, 2018. The cost to participate is $4,500 for members and $5,500 for non-members. Price includes internal country flights, hotels, a welcome reception and dinner, tours, business briefings, matchmaking meetings and internal transportation. International flight is not included.

To register, or for more information, contact Automation Alley’s International Business Services Manager, Lisa Lasser, at lasserl@automationalley.com or 248-457-3283.


Final Legal Essentials to Export event of the year!

September 19, 2018
Hosted by Foster Swift
Grand Rapids
Free!
Register here!

Learn how to take your product to international markets during one of the “Legal Essentials to Export” events Foster Swift is offering in 2018!

These educational programs are designed to help businesses identify legal and compliance issues that are relevant as businesses pursue export opportunities. Join Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC and special guest speakers for an interactive workshop to learn tips and tools to ensure compliance. Seminars are free, but registration is required. 

The Grand Rapids event on September 19 will cover topics on intellectual property and business partner due diligence.

Final

Want more helpful tools from Foster Swift?

Check out these free training videos to learn more about legal considerations when selling internationally.


Mexico Aerospace Sector Trade Mission

Mexico

November 11-14, 2018
Hosted by: Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers
Querétaro and Chihuahua
Registration Deadline: September 17, 2018
Cost: $1,500 | each additional participant: $500
Register here!

Please join the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers aerospace sector trade mission to Mexico from November 11-15, 2018. The mission delegation will make stops in Quéretaro and Chihuahua. Each mission participant will receive a customized schedule of B2B meetings to meet with prospective customers and business partners. Mission participants will also benefit from networking events and logistical support provided by the GSGP Mexico Trade Office and the Mexican Federation of the Aerospace Industry (FEMIA).

  • Great opportunities exist in Mexico for Great Lakes St. Lawrence companies that operate in the aerospace sector. FEMIA has detected demand of $469 million USD/yr. from a pool of 35 Mexican buyer companies.
  • Leading sub-sectors for aerospace include supply manufacturing and assembly plants, the defense sector and the entire aviation ecosystem.
  • Larger OEM’s in Mexico are looking to expand their supply chain in Mexico and other aerospace firms need to partner on specific manufacturing projects to reach growth and project size.

For more information, please contact Zoë Munro, Program Director, at zmunro@gsgp.org or by calling 312-407-0177.

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To see a full list of MEDC International Trade events click here

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Partner Events

Webinar: Surviving a Trade War – 5 Proven Approaches to Address Tariff Impacts

Webinar

June 28, 2018
Baker Tilly
Virtual
12pm – 1pm
Free 

The United States has imposed 25 percent tariffs on $50 billion worth of goods from China and the impact to your business could be significant. Knowing how to respond – both strategically and tactically – becomes imperative in continuing to operate a profitable business model.

Join Baker Tilly international specialists on this webinar as they offer practical solutions your business can follow to alleviate the pressures imposed by such tariffs. They will detail five proven approaches to help your business adapt and maintain your competitive edge in the marketplace.

Key learning objectives
After attending this webinar, participants will be able to:

  1. Consider strategic options to conducting global trade in a changing socio-political landscape
  2. Learn tactics to overcome tariffs and other limitations in conducting cross-border business
  3. Position themselves to better address future trade policy shifts

Who should attend?
Anyone who relies on imported steel, aluminum or Chinese-made items to conduct business. Professionals who are accountable for operational strategy, import/export, supply chain management and procurement decisions.

Click here for details and registration.


Certified Global Business Professional Training

Nasbite

July 10-11, 2018
Global Business Club of Mid-Michigan
Lansing
8am – 5pm
$195 MEDC Partner / $345 Regular

Earning the Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) credential is an easy way to kick-start your international business career, or a great way to formally recognize your professional knowledge. The CGBP credential issued by NASBITE confirms familiarity in international trade and assures that employees are able to practice global business at the professional level required in today’s competitive environment. The CGBP is the top nationally recognized certification for those in international business to show the world that they are qualified, with over 2000 certified professionals.
 
The CGBP certifies that a candidate is competent in the following four primary domains:

  1. Global Business Management
  2. Global Marketing
  3. Supply Chain Management
  4. Trade Finance

Click here for details and registration.


Power Generation Africa: Export & Investment Opportunities for U.S. Companies

Africa

July 11, 2018
U.S. Commercial Service
Ann Arbor
9am – 11am
Free

The U.S. Commercial Service-Michigan, and Power Africa invite you to attend a roundtable event at Ann Arbor SPARK on July 11th to learn about the U.S. government initiative, Power Africa. 

The roundtable event will:

  • Highlight business opportunities in the energy sector in sub-Saharan Africa
  • Showcase American companies successfully doing business in the sub-Saharan Africa energy sector
  • Provide an opportunity to meet and engage first-hand with Power Africa team members interested in helping you explore opportunities for your company.
  • Showcase American industry and knowhow.

What is Power Africa?

  • A market-driven, U.S. Government-led public-private partnership to double access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa
  • Two primary goals: add 30,000 MW of generation capacity and expand electricity access to 60 million people in sub-Saharan Africa
  • A one-stop shop for businesses seeking tools and resources to do business in Africa’s power sector
  • Brings together more than 140 of the world’s top companies, development institutions, and financial entities
  • Employs a transaction-centered approach to address constraints to project development and investment
  • Aims to reduce risk and accelerate projects -- with financing, risk mitigation, technical and transaction support, and local government engagement

Please contact Eve Lerman at Eve.Lerman@trade.gov or 248-249-7415 with questions. Please RSVP at Rachel.Clephane@trade.gov if you are planning to attend. Click here to learn more about Power Africa.


Inaugural Summer Summit

Summit

July 18, 2018
Van Andel Global Trade Center
Grand Rapids
11:30am – 4:30pm
$55 member/ $75 Non-Member

This half-day event will boast global trade education and best practices, networking and fun! During lunch we will cover hot topics in the ever-changing environment of international business and trade.

Once lunch wraps up, it'll be your turn to ask the questions! Attendees will be able to sit down with industry experts to discuss:

  • Global Supply Chain & Documentation
  • Working with International Distributors
  • Creating an International Sales Agreement
  • Selling to Foreign Governments
  • Trade Finance & International Tax Considerations
  • Managing Foreign Trade Zone & Duty Drawback Programs
  • Understanding Anti-Dumping & Countervailing Duties

Click here for details and registration.


Apprenticeship Info Session: Addressing the Manufacturing Talent Shortage

Apprenticeship

July 24, 2018
Automation Alley
Plymouth
9:30am – 11:30am
Free

It’s not a secret. Industry 4.0 is challenging manufacturers to integrate new technology and find employees with the appropriate expertise in addition to the looming retirement of about 22 percent of manufacturing employees expected over the next 10-15 years. Finding the right talent now is critical.

Join Automation Alley at the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center for a free info session to learn more about implementing a registered apprenticeship program. Registered apprenticeship is a tried and true approach for preparing workers for the skilled jobs of today and the Industry 4.0 era of automated and digitized manufacturing.

Learn about ApprenticeshipUSA, a Department of Labor funded grant partnership between Automation Alley and the state of Michigan, which can provide assistance with implementing this proven on-the-job training and retention strategy. It’s time to close the skills gap and transfer knowledge to the next generation of workers to ensure the training of future leaders.

Click here for details and registration.


2018 Midwest Buyers Mission

Food

August 1, 2018
Hosted by the Michigan Department of Argiculture and Rural Development
East Lansing
Cost: $300
Register here!

Position yourself and your products in front of pre-qualified, experienced international buyers who continue to seek the latest food trends and products from the United States. Register early as meeting slots are scheduled on a first come, first served basis. It’s the perfect low-cost opportunity to meet buyers from established and emerging markets in one place!

Food Export In-Market Representatives from Canada, Costa Rica, Japan, Middle East, Nicaragua and Panama will be on hand to meet one-on-one to answer questions and assist with market specific insight. Food Export Helpline™ Counselor Dennis Lynch and Export Advisor Gary Winget will be available for one-on-one meetings as well. These local marketing experts provide on-the-ground help and can help you: 

  • Learn how to be competitive when entering and remaining in a market
  • Gain insights into emerging market trends
  • Find the right buyer for your product in specific market segments
  • Get your product and promotion plans market ready

For more information, please contact Jamie Zmitko-Somers at zmitkoj@michigan.gov

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For more information about the MEDC International Trade Services

visit our website, contact export@michigan.org, or your regional International Trade Manager.

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