 Now, more than ever before, we need to remain engaged and up-to-date on what's happening in global trade and we did just that at our 14th Annual Global Business Conference.
At a very quick glance, here's a just a snippet of the conference:
Click here for Conference pics
This year we are particularly proud of the success our companies in Pennsylvania and New Jersey have achieved. With the guiding hand of our trade counselors, these exporters, many of them small and medium‐sized businesses, now have customers around the world ‐ registering over $174M in increased export sales. Their success is our success and it's at the heart of what we do as a member‐based, 501(c)3 non‐profit organization. This year we partnered with the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia and area business and civic leaders, as part of a national Brookings/JP Morgan Chase "Global Cities Initiative" to launch a dynamic export strategy to drive economic growth and job creation for the Greater Philadelphia Region. The resulting "Export Plan" for Philadelphia underscored that there are many more businesses in the Greater Philadelphia region who can and should be exporting ‐ and need the services of the WTCGP. As part of our commitment to the international business community to provide timely and relevant information on the global economy and celebrate our global leaders, this year's key signature events and international meetings included:
Every day the WTCGP opens its doors to help "grow trade" in the Greater Philadelphia region thanks to our member companies, and sustaining and leadership partners. As we continue to grow trade, we need to ensure that we can continue to expand this important work.
Global Cities Initiative, Greater Washington, DC meets with World Trade Center Philadelphia12/6/2016
Global Entrepreneurship Week features introduction to international trade, WTC Philadelphia11/21/2016
GEW Philadelphia Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is the world’s largest celebration of innovators and job-creators who launch startups that bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and expand human welfare. YP Social Meetup brings the global event to the city of Philadelphia for the very first time November 14 - 20, 2016. GEW Philadelphia’s Theme is S.T.E.A.M., business enterprise focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics as well as hospitality, food-preneurs, and social entrepreneurship. Global Entrepreneurship Week
The global initiative kicked off in 2008, launched by the Kansas City-based Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Global Entrepreneurship Week / USA helps map the entrepreneurial ecosystem in cities and states throughout the nation and enjoys the participation and support of thought leaders and elected officials across the spectrum at the local, state and federal levels. During one week each in November GEW/USA inspires Americans from all walks of life through local, national and global activities designed to help them explore their potential as self-starters and innovators. These activities, from large-scale competitions and events to intimate networking gatherings, connect participants to potential collaborators, mentors and even investors---introducing them to new possibilities and exciting opportunities. U.S. Ambassadors from ASEAN Region hosted by WTC Philadelphia and Select Greater Philadelphia10/6/2016
A member of the Senior Foreign Service, with tours of duty in major U.S. embassies around the world, Ambassador Allen also served as U.S. Department of Commerce Deputy Assistant Secretary for Asia and later China, as well as being posted at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. Ambassador Osius served at posts in India, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines. (See attached bios). Over 33 international companies and organizations attended, representing a broad cross section of the region’s major exporting sectors, including health, aviation, food export and higher education. The Ambassadors’ visit is part of a U.S. tour and an opportunity to expand trade with one of the most rapidly growing regions in the world and to further discussion on the TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) trade agreement. Both Ambassadors spoke compellingly on TPP, noting that TPP countries currently account for 40% of global trade, with the agreement eliminating customs duties on exports for major sectors in the region. (See attached TPP info from US Department of Commerce and USDA). The discussion centered on significant opportunities for area businesses and institutions in various categories including: Health, Higher Education, Energy and Suppliers/Precision Manufacturing, Aviation/Helicopters, Smart Cities Technology and Entrepreneurship. According to Ambassador Allen, Brunei has extensive off-shore oil and gas drilling operations that require helicopter support and represent an opportunity for our energy suppliers and aviation sector. Over 19,000 students from Vietnam are currently enrolled in U.S. institutions of higher learning, with Ambassador Osius underscoring the significant opportunity for the U.S. to build important commercial and cultural ties, citing a recent survey where over 92% of respondents selected the United States as Vietnam’s favored country. Philadelphia’s legendary Bassetts Ice Cream, currently exports ice cream to China, and President Michael Strange has interest in expanding to additional markets like Vietnam. According to Linda Conlin, President of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia, “At the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia, we seek to offer our members timely information and important international connections to accelerate their global growth. At this time of national and local debate on trade, these senior diplomats identified specific export opportunities in their countries and articulated concrete TPP benefits to area companies that will increase business and economic growth and jobs for our communities.”
As a culminating event for Bringing the World to Pennsylvania, WTCGP hosted Global Connections: The Greater Philadelphia International Reception, a networking event for the ATRs and more than 100 business, government and academic leaders celebrating the vitality of international trade and global business in the Greater Philadelphia region. Speakers at the event included Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney; Neil Weaver, Executive Deputy Secretary of the PA Department of Community & Economic Development; and Joe Burke, Deputy Secretary of the PA Office of International Business Development.
WTCGP and the Pyramid Club, one of Philadelphia’s premiere private business clubs and social networking venues, have formed a new WTCGP member benefit program.
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