International Trade Calendar
March 2007
Here is a selected list of international trade events, including ITA-sponsored events, as well as a some upcoming international trade fairs. The U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service (USFCS) maintains a comprehensive listing of industry shows at www.export.gov.
March 5
Visit USA Workshop
Brussels, Belgium
This workshop, organized by Visit USA with the Commercial Service, is held annually just before ITB Berlin. It gives a unique opportunity to promote U.S. tourism regions, products, and services to the Belgium and Luxembourg markets. For more information, contact Brigitte de Stexhe of the USFCS, tel.: +32 (2) 508-2454; e-mail: brigitte.de.stexhe@mail.doc.gov.
March 6–9
TECMA 2007
Mexico City, Mexico
TECMA 2007 is the only show in Mexico that specializes in machine tool technology, related equipment, and peripherals. Last year, more than half of the registered visitors were interest in buying manufacturing technology in the near future. More than 164 exhibiting companies and 10,000 buyers and sellers are expected. For more information, contact Arturo Dessommes of the USFCS, tel. +52 (55) 5140-2617; e-mail: arturo.dessommes@mail.doc.gov.
March 7–11
ITB Berlin 2007
Berlin, Germany
This trade fair is one of the world’s largest for travel and tourism. Small and medium-sized companies can gain valuable exposure to the global marketplace by participating in the low-cost Product Literature Center within the “Discover America” pavilion. For details, visit www.buyusa.gov/germany/en/plc.html. For more information, contact Elizabeth Powell of the USFCS, tel.: +49 (69) 7535-3167; e-mail: elizabeth.powell@mail.doc.gov.
March 8
Intellectual Property Rights in China
This program is part of a continuing series of Webinars on the protection of intellectual property rights in China. It is sponsored by ITA’s China office and will run from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Eastern time. For more information, or to register, send an e-mail to chinaipr@mail.doc.gov.
March 13–15
Expo Manufactura 2007
Monterrey, Mexico
This show is Mexico’s largest metalworking and manufacturing exhibition. It will feature a USA pavilion for 60 U.S. exhibitors. The organizer will also provide a fully furnished booth for the U.S. embassy’s Business Information Office. Two hundred exhibitors from more than 12 countries are expected, with 7,500 trade-only visitors. For more information, contact William Corfitzen of the USFCS, tel.: (202) 482-0584; e-mail: william.corfitzen@mail.doc.gov.
March 15–21
CeBIT 2007
Hanover, Germany
CeBIT is the world’s largest trade fair that showcases digital information technology (IT) and telecommunications solutions for home and work environments. U.S. companies can register for “Showtime,” a forum to discuss the best prospects and market strategies with Commercial Service IT market experts from across Europe. For more information, contact Ira Bel of the USFCS, tel.: +32 (2) 508-2434; e-mail: ira.bel@mail.doc.gov.
March 20–22
Americana 2007
Montreal, Canada
The seventh biennial Americana 2007—International Environmental Technology Trade Show and Conference expects 10,000 participants, 400 exhibitors, and 150 speakers from 60 countries. U.S. companies can benefit from a personalized agenda of meetings during the International Matchmaking Forum, which is a new feature added this year. For more information, contact Richard Vinson of the USFCS, tel.: (902) 429-2482, ext. 102; e-mail: richard.vinson@mail.doc.gov, or Pierre Richer, tel. (514) 908-3661; e-mail: pierre.richer@mail.doc.gov.
March 22
World Bank Business Seminar: Public Works
Arlington, Virginia
This seminar on the World Bank focuses on helping companies learn how to bid on public works tenders. Of the $28 billion tendered in 2006, about 30 percent went to infrastructure/public works projects. Learn in-depth information about the procurement process, such as developing an effective bid, implementing the contract, and obtaining payment. The bank’s new e-procurement system will also be discussed. For more information, contact Rebecca Balogh of the USFCS, tel.: (703) 235-0324; e-mail: rebecca.balogh@mail.doc.gov.
March 30–April 1
International Franchise Expo
Washington, D.C.
The International Franchise Expo allows face-to-face meetings with representatives of hundreds of the top franchise concepts at every investment level. The Commercial Service is offering free business support for international buyers who are either part of a delegation or traveling alone. For more information, contact Graylin Presbury of the USFCS, tel.: (202) 482-5158; e-mail: graylin.presbury@mail.doc.gov.
On the Horizon
April 18–20
FIBCA 2007
Lima, Peru
Peruvian imports of capital goods increased 30 percent in 2005 and are expected to increase by another 15 percent in 2007. This show will benefit U.S. manufacturers because Peru has just eliminated tariffs on capital goods. Attendees will include businesspeople with decision-making power, professionals, and technicians from a wide range of industrial and commercial areas. For more information, contact William Corfitzen of the USFCS, tel.: (202) 482-0584; e-mail: william.corfitzen@mail.doc.gov.
April 19
World Bank Business Seminar: Supplying Goods
Arlington, Virginia
This is the third in a series of seminars on doing business with the World Bank. It will cover opportunities for the supply of goods within World Bank projects, including identifying projects and understanding procurement policies. Senior procurement specialists will discuss how to develop an effective bid and other strategies for success. For more information, contact Rebecca Balogh of the USFCS, tel.: (703) 235-0324; e-mail: rebecca.balogh@mail.doc.gov.
April 23–27
Healthcare Technologies Trade Mission
Santiago, Chile, and São Paulo, Brazil
This trade mission to Santiago, Chile, and São Paulo, Brazil, will include an optional spin-off to Belo Horizonte. The trade mission includes prescreened appointments with potential business partners, an interpreter, market briefings, premission counseling, and follow-up assistance. For more information contact Pompeya Lambrecht of the USFCS, tel.: (602) 277-5223; e-mail: pompeya.lambrecht@mail.doc.gov.