For Immediate Release: July 16, 2008
DBEDT Release News 08-18

HONOLULU--The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) today announced that it will host the first in a series of neighbor island seminars for businesses who are involved in importing and exporting.

The seminar will be held at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center in the Haines meeting room on July 23, 2008 from 8:00 to 12 noon. This free seminar is the first in a series of import and export business seminars presented by the Hawaii Foreign-Trade Zone No. 9 with future seminars to be scheduled for other neighbor islands.

The seminar will cover State and Federal programs that are available to help businesses expand and capitalize on in this global market. Agencies will be on hand to present programs, resources and answer questions to help Hawaii businesses navigate within this market.

"Given the strength of foreign currencies, now is the perfect time for Hawaii businesses to consider exports as a way to grow their business," said DBEDT Director Theodore E. Liu. "We are actively reaching out to neighbor island businesses who are, or planning on importing and exporting and have diversified in growing their business. Hawaii's Foreign-Trade Zone No. 9 can offer substantial savings to companies that import and export dutiable foreign goods."

Participants at the seminar will include representatives from:

• The High Technology Development Program's Manufacturing Extension Program,
• Business Action Center,
• Small Business Administration,
• Hawaii Customs Brokers Association and
• The U.S. Export Assistance Center.

Topics that will be discussed include navigating customs rules and regulations, export credit insurance and obtaining trade finance, obtaining government contracts, effectively communicating across international borders, as well as general business registration and compliance.

Businesses interested in more information or registering for this seminar can contact James Nakano at the Foreign-Trade Zone at james_nakano@ftz9.org or call toll free 984-2400 extension 62509.

The Hawaii Foreign-Trade Zone #9 has a 500,000 cubic foot secured, full-service warehouse located at Pier 2 in Honolulu Harbor. Companies may utilize any number of its full-service warehousing and storage services with up-to-date itemized inventory on their goods.

The Foreign-Trade Zone is division of the State of Hawai‘i DBEDT office, and supports strengthening the import/export and manufacturers of Hawai‘i and the Maritime industry. The Foreign-Trade Zone is in support of advancing Hawai‘i's business and its relations through strong participation in public-private partnerships.

Importing and Exporting Seminar

For more information, contact:
Gregory Barbour, FTZ
Phone: (808) 587-5372
Email: gb@ftz9.org

Dave Young, DBEDT
Phone: (808) 587-1212
Email: dyoung@dbedt.hawaii.gov