The N.C. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Division takes its expertise on the road this week to support and inform North Carolina businesses interested in expanding their presence in the international marketplace. Division staff and the state’s foreign trade representatives are taking their “Go Global Road Show” to Charlotte today, followed by seminars later this week in Candler, High Point, Fayetteville, Kinston and Raleigh/Cary.
“The International Trade Division’s Road Show is a wonderful opportunity for our businesses to learn how to become and remain competitive in the ever-evolving global marketplace,” Commerce Secretary Keith Crisco said. “This is also a great example of the Department of Commerce going directly to the businesses we serve to best meet their needs.”
International trade represents a bright spot in the state’s economy. In 2008, North Carolina companies exported more than $25 billion worth of goods around the world, an increase of more than 7.4 percent over the previous year. Click here for more information on North Carolina’s international business.
Road Show attendees will learn about market opportunities for their companies through seminars and individual consultations with one of North Carolina’s seven foreign trade representatives, based in Canada, Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Mexico, Germany and Shanghai, the state’s newest overseas office. In addition, participants may meet with one of Commerce’s six international trade managers, headquartered in North Carolina, who specialize in industries such as biotechnology, information technology, telecommunications, plastics, chemicals, automotive and furniture.
Companies must be pre-qualified as export-ready and must register with the Department of Commerce to attend the sessions. To register for the conference or for more information, contact Bethany Khouri-Wisbey at 919-733-7193.
This year’s Road Show has been expanded to include more locations so North Carolina companies will find it easier to attend a meeting closer to home. A daily lunch-and-learn seminar will be held from noon to 2 p.m. in cooperation with N.C. Community Colleges to provide information from successful exporters and international trade experts.
Road Show Lunch-and-Learn Schedule
- April 20: Charlotte – Central Piedmont Community College – Doing Business in Japan
- April 21: Candler – Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College/Enka – Doing Business in Germany
- April 22: High Point – High Point Chamber of Commerce – Doing Business in China
- April 23: Fayetteville – Fayetteville Technical Community College – Doing Business in Mexico
- April 23: Kinston – Lenoir Community College – Doing Business in Korea
- April 24: Raleigh/Cary – Wake Technical Community College – Doing Business in Canada