US Commercial Service offers free exporting seminar

The U.S. Commercial Service, with sponsorship from the CNMI Small Business Development Center, the Guam Visitor’s Bureau, and the Northern Marianas College, will be offering a free export training seminar from 3:30pm to 5:30pm on May 23 at the Northern Marianas College Campus Room D-1.

This free exporting seminar is also being supported by the Hawaii Pacific District Export Council, the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, the CNMI Department of Commerce, the Commonwealth Development Authority, and Bridge Investment Group in order to increase awareness of exporting opportunities throughout the world, but more specifically China.

The “Export 101” seminar will be presented by U.S. Commercial Assistant, Andrea Shen. Shen is a commercial assistant with the Foreign Commercial Service Office at the U.S. Consulate in Shenyang, China. The seminar will focus primarily on product or service exportation from the CNMI to China. Highlights of discussion will include the rules and regulations of exporting food/beverage products to China, product preparation prior to exportation, available resources to assist in seeking qualified international buyers, as well as networking and communication strategies when seeking potential customers. Shen will also be available to assist new and existing companies explore how the U.S. Commercial Services offices throughout China (and other countries) can help tourism companies market their tour related businesses.

“Both Casey Jeszenka, (of the Pacific Islands SBDC Network), and myself have been working tirelessly to focus U.S. Commerce attention in Guam and the CNMI for the last four years. We have had a couple visits by U.S. Commercial Service’s John Holman and Steve Green to the islands and we are hoping with Andrea’s visit, more frequent and scheduled visits can occur in the future. If you have not been to a U.S. Commercial Service Seminar and you are in business, I can’t possibly over emphasize how important it is for you to attend this seminar. Everyone who has attended in the past leaves in awe of the vast opportunities offered for free by the U.S. government that not everyone knows about. This seminar will give you the insight and the reassurance that you can be a successful U.S. exporter,” said Phillip Mendiola-Long.

Mendiola-Long is a District Export Council Member appointed by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker. Mendiola-Long is serving is second term on the Hawaii Pacific District Export Council.

A fantastic opportunity is up for grabs for potential exporters who are interested in exporting their products or services. In addition, those who are currently exporting their product or service can learn how U.S. Commercial service can assist in expanding their market. This is an informative seminar; everyone is encouraged to attend.

The Export 101 seminar will be held on Monday, May 23, 2016 from 3:30pm to 5:30pm at the Saipan Northern Marianas College Campus, Room D1. To register, log on to http://pisbdcn.ecenterdirect.com or contact the CNMI SBDC Office at (670) 664-3018 or the Saipan Chamber of Commerce at (670) 234-7150. Seating is limited so advance registration is highly recommended. (PR)