Inside Global Trade Newsletter
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A monthly L.A. Area Chamber update regarding Global Trade and Foreign Investment

Chamber Hosts Discussion on Smart Cities

The Chamber's Diplomatic and Commercial Officer Group (DCOG) hosted a seminar on the “Road to a Smarter Los Angeles for LA2028,” featuring Ted Ross, CIO of the City of Los Angeles and General Manager of the Information Technology Agency. Ross discussed what makes Los Angeles a smart city and the importance of both ethics and innovation in technology. He also spoke about advances in technology that Los Angeles has made, including being the first big 5G city in the U.S. and being the first city to integrate with Google Waze. The city’s SmartLA 2028 plan asks for business participation in its efforts to efficiently and ethically improve the quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors.

Chamber Hosts U.S.-Vietnam Business Seminar

The Chamber hosted the U.S.-Vietnam Business Seminar this week in partnership with the Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the U.S. Commerce Department. Attendees learned about California’s economic climate in a presentation from Kenneth L. Wengrod, the Chamber's Vice President of Global Trade & Foreign Investment, and the economic climate, and investment opportunities in the Vietnamese provinces of Long An and Thai Nguyen. The Chamber also signed a memorandum of understanding with the VCCI to increase trade between the Los Angeles region and Vietnam.

Regional Export Council Event Empowers New Exporters

The Chamber hosted the first session of the Los Angeles Regional Export Council's (LARExC) trade financing seminar, titled, "Unveiling Trade Finance: Empowering Underserved SMEs to Expand Exports.” The event introduced potential exporters to trade finance and the importance of payment methods in international trade. Participants also learned how to identify the best trade finance options and strategies for importers and exporters.

Cambodian Delegation Visits Port of Long Beach, Meets Chamber

The Chamber led a special meeting with a Cambodian delegation at the Port of Long Beach to promote California-Cambodia trade and highlight the potential economic benefits for Cambodian businesses that work with our region's businesses. The meeting included Buon Sarakmony, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Commerce, Neak Oknha Kith Meng, President of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, and Kim Chha Hout Hon, Consul General of Cambodia.

Mayor’s Office Hosts First L.A.-Africa Trade Listening Session

The Chamber attended the first session of the Los Angeles-Africa Trade and Investment listening group with the Mayor's office and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. The session was hosted by the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office of International Affairs and coordinated by Christine Peterson, Director of International Trade and Investment for the Mayor's Office. The meeting provided an opportunity for the Mayor's team to further develop their L.A.-Africa Economic Strategy and identify themes, sectors, and geographical areas for future listening sessions. Participants included Erin Bromaghim, Deputy Mayor of International Affairs, Ian Klaus, Founding Director of Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and African leaders.

Chamber Presents to Latin American Delegation

The Chamber met with a delegation from Latin America at the Business Alliance for Secure Commerce (BASC) to advocate for the renewal of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). The GSP would allow nations to export certain goods and services to the U.S. without tariffs or with reduced rates, which could fuel economic growth. BASC Executive Director Suzanne Lemaitre and BASC President Erik Moncayo also awarded Wengrod and the Chamber with a recognition of appreciation and support.

Chamber Provides Remarks for Indian Consulate General

The Consulate General of India, San Francisco hosted a delegation from the Indian state of Gujarat. Kenneth Wengrod provided welcome remarks about India and U.S. trade relations and how the Chamber can assist in increasing cross-border trading with Gujarat.

Solomon Islands Delegation Meets with Chamber

The Chamber met with a delegation from the Solomon Islands, and discussed their desire for international investment, increasing exports to the U.S., and possible collaboration opportunities between the Chamber and the South Pacific Island nation.

U.S.-Kenya Strategic Trade, Investment Partnership

The U.S. and Kenya engaged in negotiations for the U.S.-Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP) in Washington, D.C. Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Constance Hamilton led the U.S. delegation for discussions on trade in agriculture, anticorruption, and service regulation. The U.S. is a key trading partner of the East African nation, and California is a key component of this partnership. In 2022, California imported $65 million worth of goods from Kenya, according to CalChamber. Read about the STIP discussion here.