L.A. Area Chamber and High Council Join Together to Enhance Business Opportunities Between Los Angeles and Spain
October 26, 2009 8:00 am
LOS ANGELES, CA – The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce expanded trade opportunities for local businesses today when it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the High Council of Chambers of Commerce of Spain (High Council), to promote trade and investment between the two regions.
As part of the agreement, the L.A. Area Chamber and the High Council will encourage, promote and organize trade missions, matchmaking, and networking opportunities for businesses based in Los Angeles and Spain. The two organizations have also agreed to share foreign trade, investment and economic information.
“This MOU serves to promote trade between the L.A. region and Spain,” said Gary Toebben, President & CEO of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. “In order to lead the way toward recovery, Los Angeles must embrace all international trade opportunities such as this one, which is important to our economy.”
On hand to witness the signing was Spain’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Commerce, Miguel Sebastian, who earlier spoke to a group of local and Spanish business leaders at the first-ever California Spain Business Forum, hosted by the L.A. Area Chamber. Vice President of International Relations for the High Council, Fernando Gomez-Aviles and L.A. Area Chamber Senior Vice President of Global Initiatives, Carlos J. Valderrama signed the document.
The L.A. Area Chamber’s partnership in Spain adds another dimension to the strategic alliances it has with the Nagoya Chamber of Commerce, Consejo Empresarial Mexicano (COMCE), the Korean International Trade Association (KITA) and the Chilean American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham).
The L.A. Area Chamber recognizes that the future of L.A.’s economy is tied to international trade. The Chamber's Global Initiatives Committee fosters the development and access to foreign markets for local companies and provides global matchmaking services to foreign entities seeking U.S. joint venture partners, distributors and retailers. More information on the Chamber’s Global Initiatives is available at www.lachamber.org.
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The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce represents the interests of business in L.A. County. Founded in 1888, the Chamber promotes a prosperous economy and quality of life in the Los Angeles region. For more information, visit www.lachamber.com.