In This Edition

 

As part San Diego's ongoing participation in the Brookings Institution's Metropolitan Export Initiative, a partnership of local leaders from various civic, educational and economic development organizations recently released a comprehensive export plan for the region.

 

The objectives of the "Global San Diego Export Plan" are to help create and retain export related jobs, increase participation of small and mediuim-sized enterprises (SMEs) in global trade, and develop a brand to enhance the region's global competitiveness. 

 

In addition to participating as part of the Core Team that developed the export plan, the San Diego CITD will be a key component of the strategy to increase SME capacity to export through its counseling and training programs. 

 

Read more and access the full plan here.

 

 

The San Diego District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is hosting a a 4-part export training program starting on February 19th. The program, geared toward existing companies that are new to exporting or are currently exporting, will cover everything from finding market opportunities to shipping goods and managing the supply chain.  Participants are encouraged to commit to attend all four sessions to get the most out of the program.

 

This training series will be offered in Imperial Valley and North San Diego County, on different dates.

 

Session 1: Global Business Opportunities - Researching Markets & Opportunities

Imperial Valley - 02/19/2014
North San Diego County - 02/26/2014

 

Session 2: Exporting Market Entry Strategies - Identifying Channels of Distribution & Resource Assistance Available

Imperial Valley - 03/05/2014
North San Diego County - 03/12/2014

 

Session 3: International Trade Finance - Insuring Payments for Products & Services and Financing Orders

Imperial Valley - 03/19/2014
North San Diego County - 03/26/2014

 

Session 4: International Shipping, Logistics and Supply Chain - Avoiding the Pitfalls & Problems

Imperial Valley - 04/02/2014
North San Diego County - 04/09/2014

 

Cost: FREE

 

For more information, click here.

Join the San Diego CITD and the Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce at the MEXPORT Supplier's Forum on March 6th from 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM. This forum will feature representatives from Medtronic, the world's largest medical technology company, who will discuss their current requirements, purchasing policies, and introduce you to the people who are in charge of purchasing.

Cost to attend: $65 ($30 for OMCC members)

For more information and to register, click here.

Tijuana's chapter of the National Chamber of Transformation Industries (CANACINTRA, as it is known in Mexico) will be hosting a monthly seminar on supply chain opportunities in Baja California's manufacturing sector. The seminars, open to suppliers on both sides of the border, will feature purchasing representatives from various manufacturers in the Baja region and a government agency who will discuss the products and services they are currently looking to source.

 

Some of the industry sectors covered in these seminars include Aerospace, Automotive, Medical, and Electronics.

 

First seminar will be on March 13, 2014. Details available soon. Check our website for updates.

 

The Mexicali Supply Expo brings together the local, regional, and international suppliers that support the strategic industries established in Mexicali, Baja California. Manufacturing companies established in Baja will have the opportunity to present their current commodities and services needs to potential suppliers.

Showcase your products and/or services to over 25 manufacturers in the Renewable Energy, Plastics, Electronics, Medical, Automotive, and Aerospace sectors, as well as more than 2,000 attendees. CITD clients receive a special booth rate of $722 (regular price is $850).

 

Booth includes:

• One 10ft x 10ft booth (Includes one table, 2 chairs, internet access and 110v power outlet)
• Article on the show website at www.mexicalisupply.com
• Company profile listed in printed Mexicali Supply Expo Exhibitor Guide.
• Direct contact with buyers through one-on-one meetings
• Assistance before, during and after show by CITD business specialist

You can also take part in the one-on-one business-to-business meetings with the buyers without exhibiting. Click here for more details and a list of products and services currently in demand by the manufacturers.

 

Economist Jim O'Neill, who coined the acronym BRIC in 2001 for the grouping of the economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China (South Africa was added to the group in 2010 and the acronym changed to BRICS), is now touting MINT after the four emerging economies he believes could be in the world's top ten economies in the coming decades. 

 

MINT stands for Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey, and Mr. O'Neill states several factors that lead him to believe these countries' economies will grow tremendously and be ripe with opportunities. These factors include, a young population with a growing middle class, rapidly advancing infrastructure, fast expanding financial, service, and communications sectors, and low-cost labor.

 

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: