Representatives of more than 80 North Carolina companies recently met one-on-one with the state’s internationally based trade representatives to learn what’s necessary to successfully export their products to specific markets around the world. And they did it without having to leave the state.
Once a year, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina presents the annual Go Global Road Show, bringing the state’s trade representatives from their offices in Canada, Hong Kong and Shanghai, Japan, Europe and Mexico to North Carolina for one-hour consultations with companies over four days.
“The annual Road Show is a way for North Carolina businesses to meet directly with our six trade representatives without having to catch an international flight,” said John Loyack, vice president of global business services at the EDPNC.
“Whether a company is currently exporting or simply interested in learning more about developing international markets, the Road Show is an excellent opportunity for North Carolina companies to learn about new markets and partners that lead to increased international sales.”
The 2018 Go Global Road Show, a full-day event, was held April 9 in Kannapolis, April 10 in Asheville, April 11 in Greensboro and April 12 in Cary.
The 80-plus participating companies had more than 150 one-one-one meetings with EDPNC international trade representatives. In the appointments, the foreign-office representatives discussed with companies their products, international market opportunities, customs requirements and other issues specific to different markets around the world.
Company officials were also able to meet with one of the EDPNC’s six North Carolina-based international trade managers, who help companies increase their export activity and specialize in industries such as biotechnology, information technology, telecommunications, plastics, chemicals, automotive, aviation and furniture.
In addition, companies were able to speak with officials of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, which provides trade-financing solutions such as export credit insurance and working-capital guarantees that help businesses invest in materials and labor needed to fulfill export orders.