DRC Celebrates Success With World Trade Month in May

Global trade is more important today than ever before. Although President Franklin D. Roosevelt first proclaimed a World Trade Week more than 70 years ago, his vision for the importance of international trade to the United States economy has not weaned. Now, as that initial week becomes a month, the Dallas Regional Chamber celebrates World Trade Month in May by reflecting on first quarter success and looking toward future projects.

The International Business Council sponsored two outbound missions to Asia and Europe early in 2010. In January, representatives met with business owners in Belgium, Italy, France and the UK. Shortly after in March, an outbound mission to Singapore and Hong Kong resulted in a relocation project with details to be announced in early May. Also during the mission to Asia, International Business and Economic Development representatives attended the CoreNet Global Conference in Singapore, discussing DFW’s story with hundreds of site selection executives from across the Asia.

In June, Dallas will return to the stage in Asia during the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, China. In a partnership between the State of Texas and the Dallas Regional Chamber, Chamber representatives will host Chinese business executives and dignitaries for a reception and familiarize them with the quality business environment the region has to offer. Member businesses are invited to participate and more information is available through jlginnett@dallaschamber.org.

The Chamber hosted six incoming delegations in the first quarter of 2010. Consular and Embassy officials, organizations and businesses from Canada, China, Isreal, Oman, Ukraine and Vietnam were guests of the Chamber in the past three months. These visits are valuable introductions and meetings between the region and potential future business partners for our member organizations.

Most recently, the International Business Council hosted The Honorable Don Pramudwinai, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the U.S. and a China Business Forum with the Chinese Ambassador is in planning stages for late 2010.

Other successes include:.

• Economic Development and International teams bring in two international project wins to-date in 2010, resulting in 10 direct jobs to date.
• Hosted five events and programs and supported seven partner events bringing new business opportunities to North Texas companies. Next up, Brazil Business Outlook as part of the Navigating Global Risk Series, May 6, 2010.
• Presented the Global DFW Study to more than 150 companies.

The International Business Council continues to provide global trade opportunities and economic development efforts for North Dallas and its business community. To celebrate World Trade Month in May, consider attending any of our upcoming events and delegation programs happening in May and June. The department’s calendar is available HERE.

For additional information on the Chamber’s international business activities, visit www.dallaschamber.org/global or contact us at global@dallaschamber.org.