The San Diego CITD conducted a seminar on export documentation at the Mission Valley campus of Point Loma Nazarene Univeristy. The seminar, geared toward new and existing exporters, provided an overview of common export documentation and regulations as well as information on the proper way to prepare the documentation to avoid penalties and fines. 

The seminar presentations were delivered by seasoned industry experts including, Julie Osman - Senior International Trade Specialist with the U.S. Department of Commerce, Matt Behrendt - Chief Operating Officer with WorldTrans Services, and Esther Quezada - U.S. Customs Broker with Priority Cargo Expeditors.

In addition to information on export documentation requirements, an overview of the importing process was provided as well.

The Baja California Medical Cluster, a non-profit association formed by medical manufacturers in the region, put on its annual MedSummit event at Tijuana's new Baja California Conference and Exhibition Center. The goal of the event was assist the medical device industry with finding regional suppliers.

This event began as a State Economic Development Agency program and in the last editions has been organized by the Medical Cluster with the assistance and funds from the Federal, State and Municipal Governments.

The San Diego CITD participated in several meetings with local industrial suppliers and large medical device manufacturers at the event and offered CITD's services including its Border Export  Program, which helps match regional suppliers with manufacturers in Baja California. CITD representatives also assisted clients with introducing their services to event participants.

The medical manufacturing industry in Baja California is comprised of approximately 60 manufacturers. These manufacturers employ around 31,000 in Tijuana and 42,000 in the state. The largest Companies are: Medtronic, CareFusion, Teleflex, DJ Orthopedics, Greatbatch, WelchAllyn, Thermofisher, Fisher & Paykel, NxStage, Flextronics Medical, Smiths Medical, Sunrise Medical, among others.

The event featured exhibitions by medical manufacturers, showcasing the devices they make in the region, as well as business-to-business meetings and panel discussions.

Join the San Diego CITD on October 24 at the BajaMak tradeshow and expo in Tijuana, Mexico.

BajaMak has become an important venue in Northwest Mexico for companies looking to tap into the $11 billion suppliers market within the region's manufacturing industry. This year's event is expected to feature over 250 exhibitors (suppliers and buyers) and draw more than 2,500 attendees.

Our Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) Fall 2013 Business Plan Competition is now open!

Business plans submitted for the competition will be evaluated and scored by a panel of business professionals. The top 3 business plans will receive: 

• iPad Mini
• Business Management Prize Pack
• Free PR For Your Business
• Technical Assistance to Help You Launch Your Business

Deadline to submit business plans is November 22nd, 2013 by 5 PM. 

More information on YEP and the business plan competition at  www.yepsd.com.

The San Diego Center for International Trade Development (CITD) assists small and medium-sized enterprises expand internationally by providing low and no-cost programs and services including, one-on-one technical assistance and consulting, market research, training and educational programs, trade leads and special events.

International trade counseling is available by appointment at the following San Diego CITD Locations: