International Trade: January Newsletter

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international trade team - michigan economic development corp

MichiganBusiness.org

January 6, 2020

Upcoming Missions & Events

Join an upcoming ExporTech program in Lansing or Greater Detroit

and jumpstart your global business development plans!

ExporTech Group Photo

MEDC’s International Trade team and the U.S. Commercial Service-Michigan offices are recruiting for two upcoming ExporTech programs in Greater Detroit and Lansing. ExporTech is a structured export strategy development process that helps companies accelerate growth in global markets and includes three separate day-long workshops spanning 10-12 weeks.

Register for the export training program today!

ExporTech Detroit
Hosted by Lawrence Tech University
January 24, February 28, & April 17, 2020
For more info, email newhoused@michigan.org

ExporTech Lansing 
Hosted by Michigan State University
February 21, March 20, & April 24, 2020
For more info, email schroederj4@michigan.org

Why Attend:
Training and individualized mentoring is provided from a wide range of experts on export financing, payment risk, compliance, sales and distribution, country selection and more. Teams of students are assigned to each company to assist in market research.

Program Highlights:
• A national program developed by the U.S. Department of Commerce that results in a customized export growth plan for each company
• Designed for manufacturing and technology executives responsible for international growth
• Intensive, structured process with workshops, planning tools, and individual coaching
• Connect to a wide range of local and national resources

Discounts Available:
MI-STEP grants are available for qualified companies to cover 50% of fee, lowering out-of-pocket cost to $600. More information on MI-STEP can be found on our website.

ExporTech Intern

New Intern Feature:

Opt to participate in the International Trade and Development Internship program and be matched with a student who will help implement your strategic export plan developed at ExporTech. MEDC supports the internship by providing 50% reimbursement for the costs of intern compensation up to $3,600. 

For questions or to apply:
Detroit Program – David Newhouse, International Trade Manager
at newhoused@michigan.org or 517-331-6715
or
Lansing Program – Jacob Schroeder, International Trade Manager
at schroederj4@michigan.org or 517-898-7462


Meet with Michigan's South Africa Center

Discover your company’s export potential in Africa. Richard Zurba of Michigan's South Africa Center will be visiting Michigan January 13-16, 2020. If you're interested in meeting with Richard during his visit, contact the International Trade Manager listed or email export@michigan.org. Spots are filling up quickly so schedule a meeting today!

Travel dates, locations, and contact information:
January 13-14 – Troy* – David Newhouse, newhoused@michigan.org
January 15 – Ann Arbor – Brendan Cherry, cherryb2@michigan.org
January 16 – Grand Rapids – luw@michigan.org

*While in Michigan, Richard will be speaking at the Gateway to Africa luncheon at Automation Alley. Meeting times are available around the event. See below for more details on this event.


Trade Mission to Vietnam and the Philippines

Trade Mission to Vietnam and the Philippines

Hosted by the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers
March 16-20, 2020
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam and Manila, Philippines

Join the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers trade mission to Vietnam and the Philippines, and visit the cities of Ho Chi Minh and Manila.

Included Services:
Mission briefing, group ground transportation, networking events, logistical assistance, and customized B2B matchmaking meetings. International airfare, interpreters, hotels, individual transportation, and meals not included.

Financial Assistance:
The mission fee of $1,500 per company and $500 per additional traveler is eligible for MI-STEP. Companies may qualify for MI-STEP to offset 50% of the cost to travel. For more info, contact an International Trade Manager or visit  www.michiganbusiness.org/export. 

The deadline to register has been extended to January 10, 2020.
Join the delegation now!


Trade Mission to South Korea and Japan

Trade Mission to South Korea and Japan

Hosted by the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers
June 1-5, 2020
Seoul, South Korea & Tokyo, Japan

Ready to export products and services to East Asia? Join the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers trade mission to South Korea and Japan, and grow your company's sales in these important markets.

Included Services:
Mission briefing, group ground transportation, networking events, logistical assistance, and customized B2B matchmaking meetings. International airfare, interpreters, hotels, individual transportation, and meals not included.

Financial Assistance:
The mission fee of $1,500 per company and $500 per additional traveler is eligible for MI-STEP. Companies may qualify for MI-STEP to offset 50% of the cost to travel. For more info, contact an International Trade Manager or visit  www.michiganbusiness.org/export. 

The deadline to register is February 18, 2020.
Register for the trade mission today!


Partner Events

Michigan Resources for Defense Exporting

January 9, 2020 | Warren

Join the Macomb Regional Procurement Technical Assistance Center for an informational session on available resources for defense exporting. Speakers and topics include:

• MEDC – Free statewide export resources to help companies grow their international sales across all industries with resources ranging from match funding for travel to international customer searches 
• U.S. Department of Commerce – Insight into international defense opportunities and how to proactively leverage the DOC and other federal agencies to pursue and win defense contracts abroad
• Foster Swift Collins & Smith P.C. – Best practices and real-life examples of how U.S. Export Controls impact defense exporting and how to tread a safe path through landmines
• ALBEX LAW, P.C. – Deep dive into the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act: The "B" word in Defense Industry's International Transactions.

I want to grow defense exports!


Gateway to Africa Luncheon:
Trade & Investment Opportunities in South Africa

January 14, 2020 | Troy

South Africa is a logical and attractive option for Michigan companies seeking to enter the Sub-Saharan Africa marketplace. The nation is the most advanced, diversified, and productive economy in Africa. The U.S. is a critical trading and technology partner for South Africa and the third-largest bilateral partner in two-way trade by value.

New-to-market companies should consider South Africa’s geographic advantages, logistics infrastructure, widespread use of the English language, and relatively transparent legal processes, which make it a low-entry threshold country. South Africa has an especially strong demand for the following U.S. products, services and technologies:
• Automotive
• Renewable energy
• Environmental and pollution control equipment
• IT and ICT
• Medical equipment and healthcare services.

Trade Mission to Africa Health
Automation Alley, in partnership with the MEDC, is leading a trade mission to participate in the annual Africa Health Exhibition in May 2020. This is the Sub-Saharan region’s largest healthcare event and will attract more than 10,000 healthcare and trade professionals from 67 countries around the world.

Meet with the Michigan South Africa Center
Richard Zurba of the Michigan South Africa Center will be speaking at this event and is available to meet with companies individually. If you're interested in meeting with Richard, contact your international trade manager or email export@michigan.org. 

Register here to learn about export opportunities in Africa


Understanding Incoterms 2020
and U.S. Export Declarations

January 16, 2020 | Grand Rapids

Incoterms remain an essential element in defining terms of trade when conducting international business transactions. Learn what changes come with the new Incoterms 2020 version.

Topics covered include:
• Changes to the “D” rules with DAT eliminated and DPU added
• Definitions and Framework
• What is and is not defined by Incoterms 2020
• Buyer’s and Seller’s Obligations
• Risk of Loss and more!

Register today to become an Incoterms expert


Mobile World Congress 2020

February 24-26, 2020 | Barcelona

Mobile World Congress is the largest mobile event in the world, bringing together the latest innovations and leading-edge technology alongside today's most influential visionaries. Join a delegation of Michigan companies attending the show, engaging in B2B activities organized by Catalonia Trade & Investment, and visiting key automotive players in the area. 

Are you interested in attending Mobile World Congress?
Contact Vlatko Tomic-Bobas at 517-303-0429 or tomic-bobasv@michigan.org


For more information about the MEDC International Trade Program
visit our website, contact export@michigan.org, or your regional International Trade Manager.
Follow us on LinkedIn!