A One-Day Program Covering  the Basics of Exporting & Importing Speakers Include: Eugene Schreiber Managing Director, World Trade Center Ruperto Chavarri Programs Director Louisiana International Trade Center/SBDC Larry Collins Director, International Services Louisiana Economic Development Pat Holt Director Shreveport U.S. Export Assistance Center Rudy Remont International Freight Forwarders and  Customs Brokers Association

A One-Day Program Covering the Basics of  Exporting & Importing Tuesday, January 24 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monroe Chamber of Commerce (map) Individual consultations with the  speakers are available following  the workshop (includes light breakfast, lunch,  and all workshop materials)

Now is the opportune time for small and medium-size Louisiana enterprises to become involved in the global marketplace through exporting, importing, and other trade channels. Many companies are finding after Katrina and Rita that they want to rebuild or expand the market base for their goods and services and look abroad to increase sales, while other firms are interested in sourcing from internationally for products such as construction materials.

The burgeoning global economy offers almost unlimited opportunities for those companies willing to spend the time and make the effort to learn the "do's" and "don'ts" and how the system works, instead of plunging in without the proper training. Free Trade Agreements with Canada, Mexico, Chile, Australia, Israel, Jordan, Bahrain, Morocco, Singapore, and most recently Central America offer a special bonus to U.S. firms. And Louisiana-based companies have an additional competitive advantage with access through the state's world-class port system to reach these and many other global markets.

This series of one-day workshops will enable you to learn the basics about exporting and importing from a team of international trade specialists who will explain the export-import process and cover the essentials of export marketing and import sourcing, arranging transportation and documentation, being aware of the legal pitfalls, securing payment and trade finance, and understanding what resources are available in Louisiana to assist you. At the conclusion of the workshop, the speakers will be available to meet with you for one-on-one consultations.