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Posts Tagged ‘exporting’

NH International Trade Office Earns Prestigious Export Award in Washington, DC

Monday, May 16th, 2016

The New Hampshire Office of International Commerce received a presidential E Award for Export Service this morning at a ceremony in Washington, DC.

Tina Kasim and Nathaniel Nelson receive the E Award from Secretary Pritzker

“The State of New Hampshire has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export Expansion,” said Penny Pritzker, U.S. Secretary of Commerce. “The E Awards Committee was very impressed with the State’s dedication to helping companies understand the intricacies of the export process. Its collaboration with partners to achieve export promotion goals was also particularly notable and its achievements have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs.”

The Office of International Commerce, part of the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, works with companies from around the state to help them introduce their products to global markets and to increase sales for veteran exporters.

Corfin Industries of Salem also received an E award at this morning’s ceremony.

“Recognizing the value of exports to our businesses and to the economy, we have worked hard over recent years to revitalize our Office of International Commerce, helping our business leaders distribute goods and services across the globe,” said Gov. Maggie Hassan. “I am proud that these efforts are being recognized nationally and look forward to continue expanding upon these efforts, which strengthen our economy, our communities and our state.”

In 2015, exports of New Hampshire products totaled over $4 billion. Nationwide, U.S. exports totaled $2.23 trillion, accounting for nearly 13 percent of U.S. GDP and supporting about 11.5 million jobs.

“I am pleased and proud that our Office of International Commerce is recognized on the national level for its work in promoting export expansion,” said Jeffrey Rose, commissioner of the Department of Resources and Economic Development. “The E Award illustrates the success we have when we work together with partners, like the US Department of Commerce and the Small Business Administration, to accomplish the goal of helping New Hampshire businesses find new customers in overseas markets.”

The Office of International Commerce was nominated through the Department of Commerce’s U.S. Commercial Service network. It was one of 123 companies and organizations receiving the award.

For more information about exporting and resources available to New Hampshire businesses, visit www.exportnh.org.

Up Your Trade Game – Sign Up for Exporting Webinars Today

Thursday, March 31st, 2016

Exporting. It offers a world of opportunity – opportunity to increase the demand for your product or service; opportunity to increase your bottom line; opportunity to grow your business.

If your business is on the verge of landing new markets or you’re a seasoned exporter, this upcoming series of webinars have valuable information you need.

SAVE THE DATE for upcoming Office of International Commerce’s webinars:

International Trade Leads  Webinar – 3-Part Series

Wednesday, May 11  – International Trade Leads: Recognizing Red Flags

Wednesday, May 18 – International Trade Leads:  Resources for Vetting

Wednesday, May 25 – International Trade Leads: Resolution and Reporting

 

Export Credit Insurance  Webinar – Wednesday, June 15

* Note: The Office of International Commerce’s webinar Expanding Overseas Sales through E-Commerce will be rescheduled in late April.  eBay’s Aparna Lahiri and Robert Sweithelm will discuss opportunities to expand your overseas e-commerce sales, growing marketplaces, economic development opportunities and export compliance.

For more information about these programs, contact Rachel Adams at the Office of International Commerce.

 

5 Questions with James Demers, New Hampshire International Trade Advisory Committee

Friday, January 8th, 2016

We talk about international trade a lot on this blog, letting our businesses throughout the state know about the opportunities to be had overseas. Global markets likely need products and services made right here in New Hampshire – they just need to know where to find them. Our Office of International Trade works diligently to introduce businesses to these markets through its many partnerships. James Demers answers this week’s 5 Questions about one of those organizations.

James Demers

James Demers

1. Can you explain a bit about what the International Trade Advisory Committee does for the state and your role within it?
The International Trade Advisory Committee is a committee authorized by law with the primary mission of assisting the Department of Resources and Economic Development and the state’s Office of International Commerce in promoting and increasing international trade for New Hampshire businesses.
Legislative leaders have recognized that opportunities exist for New Hampshire businesses to participate in the world economy and they have actually tasked DRED with developing resources to assist companies in this area. So, ITAC is one element that brings a group together with experience and interest in international trade to assist with these goals.

2. You’ve been involved in the field of international trade for many years, even serving on the board of directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corp. What can you tell us about the opportunities for New Hampshire in the export market?

It is an honor to serve as chairman of New Hampshire’s International Trade Advisory Committee as well as having been appointed by President Obama to serve on the board of the Overseas Private Investment Corp., which is the federal government’s development financial institution.
Many people think that international trade and business opportunities in developing countries are solely for very large corporations, but one of the things I have learned from both organizations is there are tremendous international opportunities for small businesses too.
The key point is businesses need to think a bit outside of the box. If they have a product or service that works well here in New Hampshire or in the United States, it is likely there are other places that could use it too. As a matter of fact, in many cases there are foreign markets that lag the United States and need many products we take for granted here.
Companies, big and small, that are looking to grow should think about potential opportunities in other countries. And that is where the state’s Office of International Commerce can help. Small businesses rarely have the expertise to figure out how to proceed in getting into another country, or even determining where opportunities might exist. People need to recognize the state has a division that can assist them.

3. Are there industries in New Hampshire that may not be thought of as exporters, but could discover tremendous opportunity for their businesses if they pursued an export strategy?

Absolutely. The one that comes to mind is in the healthcare delivery system. During Governor Hassan’s trade mission to Turkey, I met with a businessman in Istanbul who owns a cancer treatment hospital in Turkey. He told me that they have several missing elements of cancer healthcare, most notably hospice and palliative care facilities. That made me realize there is a significant need for hospice services that could be delivered by American entities that know how to deliver this aspect of service.

4. What are the biggest challenges to New Hampshire exporters right now, and what is ITAC doing to help solve them?

One of the challenges is actually finding foreign business markets and making contacts in countries that might help develop export opportunities. That is where the state’s Office of International Commerce can help. Businesses should not hesitate reaching out to the OIC for assistance.

5. What’s coming up for ITAC that’s new and exciting?

Earlier this year, the legislature amended the ITAC law, adding additional members who will bring more expertise in the area of international trade. We have always had support from federal agencies like the Commerce Department and Small Business Administration, but the law change also adds representatives from the state’s four-member congressional delegation, which hopefully will help coordinate even stronger collaboration between state and federal trade agencies. This should help bring even more resources and information for New Hampshire businesses looking to enter foreign markets.

Gov. Hassan Leading Trade Mission to Turkey in June

Wednesday, March 26th, 2014

Continuing her efforts to boost New Hampshire’s economy through the promotion of international trade, Governor Maggie Hassan will lead a delegation of New Hampshire businesses on a June trade mission to Turkey, where members will explore the increasing potential of a growing international market.

“To keep New Hampshire’s economy growing and creating jobs, we are focused on helping our businesses enter new markets and making the Granite State a leader in selling our goods and services around the world,” Gov. Hassan said. “This trade mission will build on the progress that helped make New Hampshire the fastest-growing state for exports in 2013 by helping our businesses find new opportunities in Turkey’s growing market.”

In 2013, Granite State companies and manufacturers exported more than $79 million in goods and services to Turkey. At the crossroads of Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, Turkey is a regional commercial hub attracting the attention of American companies. The Department of Resources and Economic Development selected it as the trade mission destination after consultation with New Hampshire businesses.

“Turkey is New Hampshire’s 12th largest trading partner and there are increasing opportunities for our businesses, especially in areas such as aerospace and defense, health and medical technologies, education and construction machinery,” said Jeffrey Rose, commissioner of the Department of Resources and Economic Development.

Rokon International Inc., a leading manufacturer of all-wheel drive motorcycles whose products are used by military personnel, missionaries, farmers and hunters around the world, is one of five companies that have already signed up for the trade mission.

“At Rokon, we are always looking to find new markets abroad and joining the State of New Hampshire on this mission to Turkey is a great opportunity to increase exports and grow our business,” said Tom Blais, owner and CEO of Rokon.

The bipartisan budget Hassan signed last year increased international trade assistance and restored funding for trade missions to help businesses market and sell their products around the globe. Through November, business exports rose 22 percent in 2013, making New Hampshire the fastest-growing state in the nation for exports.

Organized in partnership with the Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists of Turkey (TUSKON) and the Turkish Cultural Center in Manchester, the trade mission will take place June 20-27.  TUSKON includes seven regional federations and more than 200 business associations, representing more than 140,000 firms in the Turkic region, which includes neighboring countries such as Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. The organization will connect the trade mission’s participants with decision makers in business, government and higher education.

Companies interested in joining the trade mission are invited to attend an informational meeting at the Turkish Cultural Center, 540 Chestnut St., Manchester. The meeting will be held on April 2 at 8:30 a.m. and will feature Dr. Hakan Tasci of US-TUSKON and economist Mehmet Ozbes as speakers.

The cost for participation in the trade mission is $2,500, a reduced rate that is underwritten by TUSKON to promote the development and growth of the New Hampshire-Turkey partnership. The deadline for applications is April 25 and space is limited.

For more information, visit www.exportnh.org or call Tina Kasim, program manager for the New Hampshire International Trade Resource Center at 271-8444.