US - Colombia Conference 2012

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US Colombia 2012

The US-Colombia Free Trade Agreement
will strengthen both the US and Colombian economies by increasing exports and imports. This landmark cooperative agreement is going to help define the next decade in US and Colombian international trade.

The event will attract over 100 small and medium-sized businesses. It will inform new-to-export and new-to-market firms on the current opportunities that exist in Colombia and how the US-Colombia Free Trade Agreement can make their products more competitive. A brief overview of common distribution channels, marketing, sales strategies, and best market opportunities will be included.

Why Attend the Conference:
Learn about the business opportunities for Texas and Colombian businesses;

Gain real-world technical trade
information from Colombian trade experts;

Access one-on-one assistance from the International Trade Center and US Commercial Service Export Assistance Center.



	Agenda 7:30-8:00 am - Registration & Continental Breakfast 8:00-8:20 am - Welcome & Introduction Jorge Canavati, VP of Business Development, Port San Antonio 8:20-10:00 am - Panel: Uncovering Opportunities in Colombia - Colombia Free Trade Agreement Maria Claudia Rojas, Executive Regional Representative, ProExport Colombia - Colombia Overview, Marketing & Distribution Best Market Opportunities for Texas Companies Cameron Werker, Senior Commercial Officer, US Commercial Service- US Embassy Bogota, Colombia - Logistics & Supply Chain Robert Althuis, President, Lynxs Cargo Port Bogota -Q&A 10:00-10:15 am - Networking Break 10:15-12:15 pm - Panel: How to Successfully Export to Colombia - Payment and Finance Michael K. Jackson, Director, City/State & Trade Association Partners Export-Import Bank of the United States - Immigration and Visa Regulations Ryan Chargois, Attorney, Foster Quan LLP - Small Business Colombian Export Successes Gabriel Cuellar, VP Business Development, Fox Packaging - Small Business Colombian Export Successes Carlos A. Silva, General Manager, UsaTeQ LLC - Small Business Colombian Import and Export Successes Michael Leal, President/CEO, Astro Import and Export - Q&A 12:15-12:30 pm - Break 12:30-2:00 pm - Lunch & Keynote Speaker Sean Mulvaney, Member of the Board of Directors, Export-Import Bank of the United States 2:00 pm - Conference Conclusion 2:00 pm - Optional One-On-One Export Assistance Meetings with Senior Commercial Officer of the U.S. Embassy Bogota, Colombia, International Business Consultants from the International Trade Center, an EX-IM Bank representative and a ProExport Colombia representative will be available after the program on a first-come-first-serve basis. Please contact Michael Rosales for more information at 210-228-9878.			Date & Location February 16, 2012 Double Tree Hotel, Airport Reserve Hotel Room 37 NE Loop 410 San Antonio, TX 78216 210.366.2424 Information & Registration Early Registration: Through Feb. 6th: $50 Regular Registration: After Feb. 6th: $65 Contact: Anabel Guerra E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Phone: 210.458.2470 Sponsorship/Exhibit Table Opportunities Available: Download Brochure (PDF) Follow the Event on Twitter: #USColombiaFTA US Free Trade Series: Panama and Korea conferences coming soon.

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US Colombia 2012

Training Programs

Latest Success Story

Bespoke Group LLC, based in Irving, Texas, is a leading exporter of high quality dried pulses, or legumes, such as dried lentils, peas, and chickpeas. The annual global trade of pulses is a $3 billion industry. The United States is the second largest exporter of dried peas and third for dried lentils and accounts for about 15 percent of global exports.