eCert, the efficient way to process Certificates of Origin, saves you time and money

The Chamber is proud to now offer eCert technology as our standard to process Certificates of Origin. With eCert, exporters and freight forwarders now have a seamless and streamlined electronic solution providing real value in cost savings and efficiency gains. Read more.

Chamber to work with Invest in America to secure jobs
The Chamber met with International Investment Specialist Christopher Clement in January to discuss the International Trade Administration's Invest in America program. The federal program aims to facilitate foreign direct investment (FDI) in the United States. Invest in America promotes FDI as a stimulus for the economy and as a source for the creation of U.S. jobs. In 2008, U.S. affiliates of foreign firms employed 5.5 million U.S. workers and spent a combined $223 billion on research and construction. The Chamber will be working with Invest in America to attract FDI in our region and help recover jobs. 

Chamber strengthens trade relations with delegation from China
Ren Xiangdong, vice chairman of the China Foreign Trade Center, recently provided an overview of China's largest import and export fair at the Chamber. The fair, which will be held in Guangzhou, China in April-May 2010, received 188,170 overseas merchants from more than 200 countries and regions, and turned out import and export contracts worth more than $30 billion in 2009.

National Export Initiative — A Call to Action in Two Ways — An Editorial by Brian Peck, Co-Chair, Chamber's Global Initiatives Council
President Obama's launching of the National Export Initiative (NEI) to double exports over the next five years and his support of the pending Free Trade Agreements with Korea, Colombia and Panama in his State of the Union address are very welcome news for California businesses. The President's renewed focus on trade should be a call to action for California businesses in two ways:

1. Vocalize support for ratification of the pending Free Trade Agreements
2. Take advantage of the President's NEI to expand your business's export opportunities

As part of the NEI to increase exports, President Obama needs to follow up his mandate with action on the pending FTAs — until now, the Administration has been relatively silent on trade. The President should be commended for recognizing that America needs free and fair trade to create jobs and ensure long-term growth for our economy, but in order to get the FTA's ratified, the President and his Administration must take a strong leadership role in introducing and advocating the FTAs for ratification in Congress to overcome resistance to trade within the President's own majority party.

Click here to view the full editorial

Brian Peck, Lecturer in Law, International Trade Policy, USC Gould School of Law, is a Global Initiatives Council co-chair.

Trade Commissioners Networking Group meets with import officials
TCNG members met with import specialists from U.S. Customs & Border Protection; U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA); and the Department of Treasury's Alcohol, Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau last month for a private import briefing. Each agency addressed the major changes and advancements related to technology within their fields that aim to facilitate and accelerate trade. Dan Solis, director of the FDA's Los Angeles District Imports Operations Branch, described the agency's role as "a bridge, not a barrier, to trade." Above, Alonza E. Cruse, district director, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Los Angeles District, discusses the trends for food and drug imports into the area.

TCNG was established to provide the infrastructure and venue where members can develop their own international trade strategies and programs as they perform their professional responsibilities. The Chamber is committed to working closely with countries who are actively promoting trade and economic opportunities. For more information, contact Jasmin Sakai-Gonzalez, 213.580.7569 or [email protected].

Trade Connect Seminar - IEABA and Port of Los Angeles collaboration, Feb. 11
Where: Multi-Purpose Room T, Corona City Hall
Register: www.ieaba.org

FTA- Comprehensive Preparation Course for 2010 Broker Exam, Feb. 13-March 6
Where: Hacienda Hotel, El Segundo
Register: Bureau of Customs & Border Protection, 562.366.5404

Issues in Focus - Green Buildings, Green Jobs, Feb. 17
Where: RAND Corporation, Santa Monica
Register: www.rand.org

Doing Business with China Seminar - Session 1: How to Sell Your Products to China, Feb. 18
Where: China Mart, Los Angeles
Register: www.chinamart.com

2010 Wilbur K. Woo Greater China Business Conference, Feb. 26
Where: UCLA Anderson School of Management, Los Angeles
Register: UCLA Anderson
Reference discount code "lachamber226" for 15 percent off registration

Doing Business with the Gulf Corporation Council, March 17
Where: Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley, Sherman Oaks
Register: [email protected]

Costa Rica Investment World Event, April 14-15
Where: Centro de Convenciones — Ramada Hotel, San José, Costa Rica
Register: www.crinvestmentworld.com