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March 2020
Greetings from the Los Angeles based staff of the U.S. Commercial Service!
We are sending a rainbow of hope and well wishes to our trade community.
We are all adjusting to a new normal over the next few weeks, but we know that the American spirit is strong and during times of difficulty, the most creative and innovative ideas rise up to meet new challenges. Our youth at a local school exhibited that innovation this week during a virtual concert they produced for everyone to enjoy. If you are looking for inspiration, check out their truly inspiring performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3_crTZ0NHg
Our International Trade Specialists are teleworking and available to assist you with any challenges you are facing on a local or international level. We will be in touch in the coming days to inform you of how to continue to leverage our international networks for your business. Please do not hesitate to reach out if we can be of assistance.
In an effort to keep you informed of the latest assistance and resources available to your business during this time, below are some links to help your business weather the economic difficulties as a result of COVID-19.
Federal Government Resources For Financial Assistance:
The SBA has a very helpful information to help companies navigate the current situation, including access to financing and guidance for employers: http://www.sba.gov/disaster
The U.S. Exim Bank has put together resources for companies facing working capital and international payment issues, with increased flexibility and extended time-frames for their key services:
https://www.exim.gov/fact-sheet-exim-covid-19-assistance
Additional City/State Government Resources:
Electronic Certificates of Origin:
Exporters may have difficulty getting certificates of origin since many chambers are scaling down. Please check with your local chamber to see what their capabilities are. The following Chambers offer electronic services for documentation:
Digital Strategy:
eCommerce Innovation Lab (EIL)
An eCommerce digital strategy is cited as the #1 business consideration for growing online overseas sales. To improve your eCommerce export strategy, check out our five part video series on eCommerce and learn about eCommerce website optimization, eCommerce international shipping options, and more! For more information on the EIL, visit: http://www.trade.gov/ecommerce.
Webinars to Keep You Informed:
- Tuesday March 24, 2020, 9am
Gray Market Goods in China
Gray market goods are manufactured abroad and imported into China without the consent of the trademark holder. They are not counterfeits and therefore pose special enforcement issues.
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Wednesday, March 25, 2020, 9am
Recording IP with U.S. Customs and Border Protection
After you have registered a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, you may record that trademark registration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to assist CBP in its efforts to prevent the importation of goods that infringe your registered mark.
The dial-in number for both webinars is the same:
888-455-7193 or 1-210-883-9133
Passcode: 1781556
Participants can join the event directly at:
https://www.mymeetings.com/nc/join.php?i=PWXW1001422&p=1781556&t=r
Audience passcode: 1781556
Conference number: RWXW1001422
EVENT HIGHLIGHT:
The Los Angeles Downtown USEAC supported the US Saudi Arabia Business Council in hosting a roundtable meeting with US companies and the Saudi Arabia National Project Management Organization (Mashroat) in Huntington Beach Hilton Hotel. The meeting was held on March 3, 2020 and was attended by over a dozen project design and construction companies. The event included a presentation by Mashroat Director of Strategic Partnership Programs Department Mr. Ali Almuntashri and several members of the Mashroat organization who discussed $40 Billion opportunities currently available in the Kingdom. Rachid Sayouty, Director of the US Commercial Service discussed some of the services available to US companies interested in doing business in the region and highlighted our offices in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.
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