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 and new areas of collaboration in 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 startups or opened research and development centers in Israel. More than 250 foreign companies have established research and development 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 & Foreign Investment.

Patrick Schaefer, Senior Vice President of the Center for Global Trade & Foreign Investment, joined The Aspen Institute's Socrates Program for their first seminar of the year in Mexico. Schaefer moderated the three-day seminar along with Alan Bersin of Covington & Burling LLP, which focused on the values and systems that define trade in North America, and market trends and barriers in addressing social issues. The discussion provided a common frame of reference for interpreting the moral principles at stake in North American trade and explored how they become material agreements over time. Recent years have seen dramatic developments in international trade relations. Due to the combined economic characteristics of the United States, Mexico and Canada, the North American region has, for decades, exercised a leading role in the evolution of these trade relations globally. Attendees represented a wide range of professions, including private equity, social justice, trade, wellness, media and real estate. LEARN MORE.

Join the Global Initiatives Council on Feb. 19, 9:30-11:00 a.m., for the first session of the year to hear from Patrick Schaefer, Senior Vice President for the Chamber's Center for Global Trade & Foreign Investment. Schaefer will provide an in-depth overview of L.A.'s global profile and the future of trade. Brian Peck, USC Gould School of Law, will also provide a brief update on federal trade policies in the new year. REGISTER.

The World Trade Week Committee is currently seeking nominations for a series of prestigious international trade awards that will be presented in front of an audience of more than 800 at the World Trade Week Kickoff Breakfast on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown Hotel. Award winners are eligible for complimentary exhibit space at the event.

 

Categories include:

The submission deadline is March 13. LEARN MORE.

If your company is a key player in the global trade arena, don't miss this opportunity to participate and gain visibility in front of nearly 900 members of the Southern California trade industry. World Trade Week Southern California is dedicated to educating the public about the positive impacts of international trade on the local and national economies and kicks off on May 5, 2020, with one of the biggest celebrations of global trade in the nation. BECOME A SPONSOR!

The World Trade Week Education Committee offers annual scholarship awards to encourage outstanding young women and men to continue in post-secondary study in international trade and business. The award amounts range from $500 to $1,000. Career options in this sector are wide-ranging. Scholarship recipients will be those students who plan to pursue studies in programs and careers that reflect a broad definition of international trade and business. These programs may lead to careers in law, accounting, product development, freight forwarding, port administration, port services, import/export finance and banking, international relations and government service, among others. APPLY NOW.

Members of the Diplomatic & Commercial Officers Group are invited to the first private session of the year to receive an update on current global trends in the Los Angeles fashion and textile industries on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020, 9:30-11:00 a.m., at the Chamber. The session will be held in partnership with the California Fashion Association and feature its president, Ilse Metchek, who will provide key information regarding U.S. retail marketing channels, market entry options and more. REGISTER.

 

The Port of Los Angeles moved 806,144 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in January, a 5.4 percent decrease compared to last year.

"We anticipated that tariffs would continue to impact cargo volumes as we moved into 2020, and our January volumes reflect that ongoing trend," said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. "The coronavirus, which prompted China's Central Government to extend the Lunar New Year holiday, adds a new layer of uncertainty to global trade. The Port of Los Angeles is committed to ongoing collaboration with our customers and supply chain partners to innovate and adapt to new trade patterns." READ MORE.

Join the Pacific Council on International Policy for a special address by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, made possible by the generous support of the RM Liu Foundation. Presented in partnership with the Los Angeles Mayor's Office, this event features Mayor Garcetti's vision for strengthening Los Angeles as a global city. Business and community leaders, students and global organizations converge annually to reflect on the progress and aspiration in promoting cultural and economic ties between our home and the rest of the world. REGISTER or contact [email protected] to learn about partnership opportunities.

Join Japan America Society, in partnership with the Chamber, for a special event featuring Takeshi Niinami, Chief Executive Officer, Suntory Holdings Limited, and Hon. Akira Muto, Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles. Chamber members are eligible for a special discount rate. REGISTER.

Four exceptional students from the Cal Poly Pomona School of Business Administration were accepted among 16 teams worldwide into the prestigious NIBS World Wide Case Competition to take place in Germany in March 2020. The university invites the business community to take part in this extraordinary journey and sponsor the team's participation. To learn more about this unique opportunity, contact faculty lead Asbjorn Egir, 909.344.4054.