Country & Trade Briefings
Chamber Country & Trade briefings connect local businesses with import/export representatives, trade consuls and diplomats, and provide exposure to new market opportunities.
Chamber Works to Strengthen Regional Trade Ties with Canada | August 27, 2020
Continuing its focus on key global issues impacting the region, the Chamber held a discussion on strengthening our close economic partnership with Canada, an essential part of Southern California’s post-pandemic recovery. The program was presented in partnership with the Consulate General of Canada and MAPLE Business Council. Canada has remained California’s second-largest export market since 2006, with a total value of more than $16.6 billion in 2019. View the program.
Chamber Hosts Logistics & Supply Chain Forum | July 28, 2020
The Chamber hosted a discussion focused on the recent impacts on supply chain management and the logistics sector this week. Experts from various logistics sectors explored the paradigm shift of the future of logistics and innovation. “COVID-19 has transformed the supply chain much faster than anticipated as many companies transitioned to multi-level sourcing. This trend will be the new future, and will result in an expedited digitalization of the supply chain,” said panelist Lidia Yan, CEO of NEXT. John McLaurin, president of PMSA, shared that West Coast Ports are facing significant continual decline in market share, which impacts the State’s largest employers, increases costs for consumers and deprives the State of infrastructure investment, environmental benefits and tax revenues. The panel also included Tony Orrico, Transportation Director of Engineering, UPS South California District and Brandon Fried, Executive Director, Airforwarders Association. The conversation was led by Dr. Nick Vyas, Executive Director, USC Marshall Supply Chain Center. View the recording.
Chamber Highlights Opportunities of USMCA | June 8, 2020
The Chamber joined the global trade community in celebrating the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) officially entering into law, ushering in a new trade relationship between the three countries. The Chamber hosted a discussion in partnership with the U.S. Chamber and the Consulates of Mexico and Canada in Los Angeles, focused on the opportunities surrounding USCMA even during the crisis and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion featured Hon. Zaib Shaikh, Consul General of Canada, Amb. Marcela Celorio, Consul General of Mexico and Neil Herrington, Senior Vice President, Americas Department, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The webinar may be viewed here.
Chamber highlights business opportunities in Israel | Jan 15, 2020
The Chamber, in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Consulate of Israel in Los Angeles hosted an executive briefing to highlight business opportunities and priorities in the Los Angeles- Israel trade relationship, understanding new areas of partnership in the areas of infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, water security, ag-tech and more. In 2018, California exported $1.7 billion to Israel, making it the state’s 18th largest export destination. According to the U.S.-Israel Business Initiative, nearly half of the world’s top technology companies have bought start-ups or opened research and development centers in Israel. More than 250 foreign companies have established R&D centers in Israel with more on the way. Speakers included newly appointed Consul General of Israel in Los Angeles, Hon. Hillel Newman, Josh Kram, executive director, Middle East Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Patrick Schaefer Senior Vice President of the Chamber’s Center for Global Trade. VIEW THE PRESENTATION; SEE THE PHOTOS.
Chamber hosts Governor of Governor of São Paulo, Brazil | Nov 21, 2019
The Chamber, in partnership with the Brazil California Chamber and Brazilian National Confederation of Industries (CNI), hosted the Governor of the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil, João Doria Júnior for a discussion focused on trade, investment and the state's economic outlook and privatization objectives, specifically targeting assets and special projects in infrastructure, transportation, education, sustainability, Ag-tech, entertainment and tourism. São Paulo is the richest and most cosmopolitan state in Brazil, with over 45 million residents and GDP of $1.25 trillion in 2018 - one third of Brazil's GDP. Brazil as a whole is L.A.’s second largest trade partner in the Americas. View the PRESENTATION. SEE THE PHOTOS.
Chamber provides key updates in Export Documentation Briefing | Nov 7, 2019
The Chamber, in partnership with Fast Track Global Services (FTGS), the U.S. Commercial Service and District Export Council of Southern California, was joined by local exporters and manufacturers this week to receive key updates and information on export documentation solutions from industry experts. The Chamber is proud to be the first chamber of commerce in the nation to bring exporters in the region a revolutionary new online platform. This revolutionary platform provides companies with easy and highly secured online processing of Certificates of Origin, Free Sale (CFS) and/or Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) documents and allows them to be apostilled and/or legalized in record time at minimal cost. SEE THE PHOTOS. LEARN MORE.
See presentation by U.S. Commercial Service
Chamber discusses business opportunities with Ambassador of Thailand to the U.S. | Nov 5, 2019
His Excellency Thani Thongphakdi, Ambassador of Thailand to the U.S visited the Chamber this week to meet with president Maria S. Salinas and Board Chair Jerry Neuman to discuss Thailand’s economic policies & trade and investment opportunities in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), ACMES and ASEAN countries. The Ambassador was accompanied by Hon. Mungkorn Pratoomkaew, Consul General of Thailand to Los Angeles, representatives of the Thai Trade Center and the Embassy in Washington DC. Los Angeles is ranked No. 1 among U.S. cities trading with Thailand, with total trade registered at $12.75 billion in 2018. SEE THE PHOTOS.
Chamber meets with Colombian Ambassador to the U.S. |Oct 17, 2019
Board Chair Jerry Neuman led a private roundtable with Colombian Ambassador to the U.S. Francisco Santos this week. Amb. Santos visited the Chamber twice before in 2009 and 2011 during his tenure as Vice President of Colombia, at which time the Chamber was a strong advocate for passage of the U.S. Colombia Free Trade Agreement. During this rare visit to the West Coast, Ambassador Santos discussed bilateral trade & investment opportunities with members of the board and representatives of the trade community to strengthen commercial ties between Colombia and the L.A. region. Ambassador Santos noted his plans to highlight California as a strong partner for Colombian companies with a strong focus on the tech start up sector and agriculture. Colombia is Los Angeles’ 24th largest trading partner with over $2.7 billion in bilateral trade. SEE THE PHOTOS.
Chamber hosts an exclusive briefing with the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Sep 9, 2019
On Monday, the Chamber hosted Hon. Jesús Seade, undersecretary for North America for the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As representative of the President of Mexico at the negotiation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), signed by the three countries in 2018, Seade provided an exclusive briefing on aspects of the USMCA and the current relationship between the Mexico-California and Mexico- Los Angeles region. Mexico continues to be California’s No. 1 export market, purchasing 17 percent of all California exports. Without tariff-free trade across North America secured by a strong trade agreement, California’s manufactured goods exports to Canada and Mexico could face a minimum of $1.2 billion to $10.1 billion in extra taxes (compared to zero tariffs today).The event was co-hosted by Consul General of Mexico, Hon. Marcela Celorio and was joined by Chamber Board Chair Jerry Neuman; Amb. Nina Hachigian, deputy mayor of international affairs for the City of L.A.; former Board Chair Steve Nissen; representatives from The Coca-Cola Company and The Home Depot; and a number of additional Chamber members and partners. Neuman encouraged members to get involved in the Chamber's work supporting USMCA passage. View the photos. Learn more about USMCA. SEE THE PHOTOS.
Global business opportunities highlighted at the Chamber's China Import and Export Fair Briefing | Aug 23, 2019
The Chamber, in partnership with the Port of Los Angeles, East West Bank, China Southern Airlines and Coty Inc., hosted nearly 100 business executives in late August to encourage companies to exhibit and source products at the 2019 China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, in Guangzhou, China. One of the largest trade shows in Asia, the Canton Fair will take place from Oct. 15 to Nov. 4, 2019. Vlady Cornatenau, U.S. business development representative for the fair, provided key resources and participation details. Additional local speakers included Vince Iacopella, senior VP of growth, Alba Wheels Up International Inc., Christine Peterson, director of trade for the Office of Mayor Eric Garcetti, and Mary Atherton, director of marketing, Coty Professional Beauty. LEARN MORE about the Canton Fair. SEE THE PHOTOS.
Chamber hosts Vietnamese Provincial Business Briefing | Aug 9, 2019
The Chamber in partnership with the Consulate General of Vietnam in San Francisco, hosted an intimate business briefing with a visiting delegation of executives and government officials in charge of investment, planning, trade and industry development from the Quang Nam Province, home to eight industrial parks, 51 industrial clusters and the Chu Lai open economic zone. The province attracts investors from a number of countries and territories with more than 135 projects and a combined registered capital of over $5.78 billion. The delegates provided an overview of opportunities in hi-tech agriculture, energy, automobile manufacturing/assembly, and electronics. The newly appointed Consul General of Vietnam in San Francisco, H.E. Nguyen Trac Toan provided welcome remarks. SEE THE PHOTOS.
See VIDEO.
Dubai Trade Delegation showcases business opportunities for Los Angeles | Mar 11, 2019
For the second year, the Chamber, in partnership with the U.A.E. Business Council, Dubai Investment Development Agency and World Trade Center Los Angeles, hosted a briefing designed to showcase business opportunities available in Dubai for Los Angeles companies. The Dubai trade delegation, led by Fahad Al Gergawi, CEO of Dubai's Investment Development Agency, provided an in-depth overview of investment and bilateral trade opportunities in various industry sectors. Los Angeles companies were also encouraged to participate in the large trade show EXPO 2020 in Dubai next year. The delegation included representatives of the Dubai free trade zones, Dubai FDI & Exports, the US-UAE Business Council, Emirates Group and Hon. Abdulla AlSaboosi, Consul General of the UAE in Los Angeles. The briefing was followed by strategic one-to-one meetings organized by the World Trade Center. The UAE ranks as the top 33rd trading partner for Los Angeles, with over $ 1.4 billion in trade in 2017. PHOTO GALLERY
See presentations by: Dubai Science Park, Dubai Multi Commodities Center, Dubai South, Dubai Air Free Zone, Emirates
Export Documentation Briefing | Feb 27, 2019
The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Fast Track Global Services, California Trade Alliance, The District Export Council of Southern California, and the U.S. commercial Service, briefed nearly 60 exporters from various industries in Southern California on key updates and information on export documentation solutions from industry experts. SEE THE PHOTOS.
See presentations by: Fast Track Global Services, Alba Wheels Up International Inc., and CA Trade Alliance
China-U.S. Trade Relations discussed at the Chamber | Dec.5, 2018
The Consulate General of China, in partnership with the Chamber and Los Angeles Regional Export Council, was joined by nearly 140 guests to hear from senior government officials, business leaders and experts as they shared their insights about the past, present and the future of China-U.S. trade relations. The seminar addressed the uncertainty caused by the imposition of tariffs on Chinese products and the escalation of trade friction between the world's two largest economies. “The more trade exists between two countries, the more disputes will exist. The question is not whether or not disputes exist, but rather whether there is bilateral intent to resolve those issues in good faith”, noted Amb. Mickey Kantor, partner, Mayer Brown. In 2017, trade with China accounted for 28.7 percent of California's total foreign trade, and exports to China accounted for nearly 10 percent of California exports. More than half of the cargo at the Port of Los Angeles and two-thirds of the cargo at the Port of Long Beach were to or from China. Speakers also included: Hon. Zhang Ping, consul general of China in Los Angeles; David Loevinger, managing director, TCW Group; Panorea Avdis, director of the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) and executives from BYD Motors, International Vitamin Corporation and Qualcomm. SEE THE PHOTOS.
Chamber meets with Ambassador of Ireland to the U.S. | Oct.29, 2018
Members of the Chamber Board of Directors and representatives of the global trade community met with Ambassador Daniel Mulhall, ambassador of Ireland to the U.S. Amb. Mulhall provided an update on the impact of Brexit on the Irish economy, the future of the EU, and Ireland’s deep trade, tourism and investment relationship with California. Amb. Mulhall noted that California is in fact Ireland’s number one trading partner in the U.S. An estimated 20,000 jobs in Southern California are supported by Irish-HQed companies. In 2017, California exported over $1.5 billion to Ireland, providing 14.4% of total US exports to Ireland. The Ambassador was accompanied by Hon. Robert.O'Driscoll, Consul General of Ireland from San Francisco. View photos.
US - Vietnam Trade & Investment Forum | Sept. 25, 2018
The L.A. Area Chamber and Los Angeles Regional Export Council (LARExC), in partnership with the Consulate General of Vietnam in San Francisco, welcomed a delegation led by H.E. Mr. Hoang Quoc Vuong, Vice Minister of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, accompanied by high ranking officials of the ministry, leaders of local governments and business executives of more than 30 enterprises representing various key industry sectors. This is the first time a delegation of this level of government has visited Los Angeles. The briefing garnered attendance by 150 guests and was followed by a series of one to one business meetings. Vietnam is the Los Angeles region's fourth largest trading partner, with a total annual bilateral trade of $19 billion. View photos.
Vietnam Provincial Roadshow Business Roundtable | Sept. 10, 2018
The L.A. Area Chamber and Los Angeles Regional Export Council (LARExC), in partnership with the Consulate General of Vietnam in San Francisco, welcomed a delegation of Vietnamese provincial government officials and business executives representing various key industry sectors earlier this week. This was the first official program as a result of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) that was signed between LARExC and VIETRADE as part of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti's trip to Asia in July. Speakers included Amb. Nina Hachigian, Office of Mayor Garcetti, Amb. Nguyen Hoang Long, Ministry of Vietnam, Hon. Ho Xuan Son, consul general of Vietnam, and John Rockhold, AmCham Vietnam. Vietnam is the Los Angeles region's fourth largest trading partner, with a total annual bilateral trade of $19 billion. View photos.
View the Presentation:
The Future of U.S. - European Trade | May 16, 2017
More than 60 attendees joined the Chamber, in partnership with DWF, an international law firm based in Cologne, on May 16 as experts examined if the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) is still a valid option to pursue. The program also provided an update on the local impact of the United Kingdom's future departure from the European Union. Bilateral trade between the L.A. region and Europe is around $40 billion.
View the Presentations:
A special video message from Amb. John B. Emerson, former U.S. Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany