One of the aspect of doing international trade is to keep track of economic and political changes. Policy changes can affect many aspect on trade.

China is one of the biggest trade market and many eyes are on it. One of the concern of many is the political system in China. What role does the government play? Is the Chinese government still a Communist government? What is "Intra-Party Democracy" all about? Since some new leaders are elected in October, there has been some changes.

An article on Business Week discuss this issue.

"I follow Chinese political philosophy, theory, and practice, especially as formulated and implemented by China's senior leaders. I am also on alert for signs and signals of real political reform. I recently went to Beijing to discern the significance of the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the conclave held every five years to establish new policies and promote new leaders. The meeting ended in late October, so enough time has passed for the leaders to assume their new roles. ..."

If you are interested in reading more, please visit: http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/feb2008/gb20080220_570563.htm?chan=search
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The International Trade Center, Free Trade Alliance and the UTSA COB Liu's Family Foundation invite you to the Business China Executive Training Program. This four-module training is designed to meet the needs of qualified experienced professionals and established businesses who wish to develop or expand their business into the People's Republic of China (PRC).

The program concentrates on delivering real-world knowledge, management perspective and experience from industry experts on how to do business in the PRC. Upon completion, participants will possess in-depth knowledge of Chinese business culture, negotiation styles, payment and finance options, supply chain management skills, and the necessary marketing tools to successfully enter the Chinese market. Attendees will also be prepared to earn their NASBITE Certified Global Business Professional credential.

2008 Series Timeline
March 25, 2008 - Module I: Modern Business Management in the PRC
April 1, 2008 - Module II: Marketing in the Middle Kingdom
April 8, 2008 - Module III: Supply Chain Logistics
April 15, 2008 - Module IV: Finance & Payment Methods
May 29, 2008 - NASBITE CGBP Exam Review - Optional
June 14, 2008 - NASBITE CGBP Exam Date

Module I: Modern Business Management in the PRC - March 25, 2008
Understanding Chinese culture and the latest business practices are critical for success in this large and complex market. This module will provide first-hand information on understanding Chinese business culture, the role of government in the business sector and how to navigate business risks. This session will also dedicate significant time on how to successfully source products from China including determining project feasibility, locating suppliers, negotiation techniques, pricing and quality control.

Module II: Marketing in the Middle Kingdom - April 1, 2008
China will soon be the largest foreign market for Texas goods and services. Successful marketing in China required meticulous planning, cohesive strategy development and decisive action. This module will provide the tools and resources for companies wanting to develop a Chinese export marketing plan and includes information on how to identify market opportunities, understanding the market segments, analyzing distribution channels and developing sales strategies.

Module III: Supply Chain & Logistics in the PRC - April 8, 2008
Managing an efficient, consistent and effective China supply chain is critical for global business success. Whether you are sourcing products from China or managing complex export operations, this session will provide you with the tools and information to reduce risks, improve efficiencies and increase profits. Conducted by experts in the field of supply chain management in the PRC, this module will be presented in a hands-on and interactive manner.
We are honored to have UPS experts to share their valuable knowledge and experience in this module. Founded in 1907 as a messenger company in the United States, UPS has grown into a $42.6 billion corporation by clearly focusing on the goal of enabling commerce around the globe. UPS has been doing business in the Asian Pacific for almost 20 years and have over 2,250 point of access.

Module IV: Trade Finance & Payment Methods - April 15, 2008
Negotiating and securing payment terms, understanding the foreign exchange risk and financing the deal are essential to successfully doing business in China. Whether you are exporting your goods to China or sourcing products, this session will give you a firm understanding of the relevant financial issues. Knowledge gained from this module will assist participants in reducing costs, lowering non-payment risk and increasing profit margins.

NASBITE CGBP Exam Review - May 29, 2008
In addition to learning the latest information on doing business in China, program participants will also be prepared to earn their NASBITE Certified Global Business Professional credential. The NASBITE CGBP certification is the only professional credential for international trade professionals in the U.S. and is the benchmark for competence in global trade. The exam review session will provide an in-depth overview of the CGBP exam by certified trade professionals and will provide trade resources, glossary listings, electronic review sheets, mock exam and trade jeopardy. For more information about the NASBITE CGBP credential visit www.nasbitecgbp.org.

Registration & Information

Program Prices

• Option I Full Series -$750 per person: includes all four seminars, "The Global Entrepreneur", seminar's presentation and resources, continental breakfast, Chinese lunch, and afternoon breaks.


• Option II Individual Seminars -$225 per person (early registration); $275 per person (same week registration): includes seminar's presentation and resources, continental breakfast, Chinese working lunch and afternoon breaks.


• Option III GBP Alumni $650 per person (full series); $180 per person (individual seminars)


• Option IV NASBITE CGBP Exam Review -$100 per person: includes review material, mock exam, lunch and afternoon break.

Registration

• Option I - Online registration
  
• Option II - Via e-mail or fax: download registration form and e-mail to barbara.mooney@utsa.edu or fax to 210.458.2491


• Option III - Call the International Trade Center via phone at 210.458.2470.
  

Location
Southwest Room at the University of Texas at San Antonio, 501 W Durango Blvd., San Antonio TX, 78207

Refund Policy
Cancellations made two weeks before the event will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be given two weeks prior to the event. Returned checks will be charged a processing fee of $35.
Thank you for registering for the Business China Executive Training Program. We look forward to your participation.

For more information please visit our website at www.globalbusinessprofessional.org.

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Are you interested in exporting to or sourcing from China? Are you lacking information about this huge market? Here is a great opportunity for you!

The International Trade Center, Free Trade Alliance and the UTSA COB Liu's Family Foundations are organizing the Business China Executive Training Program, a two-month program designed to meet the needs of qualified mid-career professionals and established companies who wish to develop or expand their business into the People's Republic of China (PRC). This import/export training is a special Global Business Professional Series and consists of 4 modules:

Module I: March 25 - Modern Business Management in China
Module II: April 1 - Marketing in the Middle Kingdom
Module III: April 8 - Supply Chain Logistics
Module IV: April 15 - Trade Finance & Payment Methods

If you would like more information about this program, please visit our website at http://globalbusinessprofesstional.org/ or call the International Trade Center at 210.458.2470.
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Greetings from the University of Monterrey!

We are on the eve of our first Global Business Professional training debut in Mexico. The International Trade Center is excited to partner with UDEM to offer 30 small and medium-sized companies international logistics insight and know-how for business growth. Tomorrow's seminar includes topics such as 3rd party logistics providers, emerging logistics corridors from China, legal issues and tariff engineering, and exporting to the US via truck.

Check back for photos and updates!
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We're excited to welcome Afirme Grupo Financiero as a sponsor for the International Logistics Seminar in Monterrey on November 9, 2007 at the UDEM campus. Afirme joins DB Hastings Custom Brokers and Casa San Antonio as platinum sponsors for our first Global Business Professional Series seminar in Mexico.

To learn more about how Afirme can help your business grow please visit http://www.afirme.com.mx.
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The International Trade Center and Universidad de Monterrey invite you to join us for an international trade logistics seminar on Friday, November 9th in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

This full-day seminar is designed for small and medium-sized companies importing to and exporting from Mexico.

Agenda
9:00 am - Welcoming Remarks
9:10 am - Export Process by Dan Hastings, Branch Manager and Bill Cuellar, Marketing Manager, DB Hastings Licensed US Custom Brokers Inc.
10:45 am - Offshore Legal & Regulatory Requirements by Robert Barnett, Partner, Cacheaux, Cavazos, & Newton L.L.P.
12:10 pm - Global Sourcing by Jody Hall, Global Sourcing Director, H.E. Butt Grocery Company
1:30 pm - Emerging Logistics Corridors by Jorge Canavati, VP Business Development, Port San Antonio
3:00 pm - Third Party Logistics by Eagle Global Logistics
4:00 pm - Import Strategy by Europartners
5:00 pm - NASBITE CGBP and the Global Business Professional Series by Jennifer T. Martinez, CGBP, Sr. International Business Consultant, International Trade Center

Registration
$85 - Discount registration for 2 or more attendees
$100 - Early registration before November 7th
$150 - Late registration after November 7th
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The International Trade Center along with the Universidad de Monterrey would like to inform you that the GBP Monterrey 07 has been cancelled. Instead, we will be offering a one-day seminar on International Logistics, which will be held on November 9th. 2007 at the Universidad de Monterrey.

We look forward to seeing you on November 9th in Monterrey!

For more information about the program you can contact Barbara at 210.458.2470.
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Here's an update on dates and location...

International Trade Logistics - 19 October
Global Marketing - 26 October
Trade Finance & Payment Methods - 9 November
Global Management - 16 November

@ Universidad de Monterrey
Monterrey, Nuevo Leon
Mexico
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NASBITE has officially opened online registration for the upcoming CGBP exam on June 16, 2007. Texas import/export professionals can sign-up for the exam in San Antonio or in Lubbock. Register at www.nasbitecgbp.org.

The cost for new candidates taking the exam is $345(Registration $50 and Exam $295) and candidates retaking the exam the cost is $50 (Registration only, no exam fee).

Currently the Global Business Professional Series has an 80% pass rate. The series is designed to include various tools for exam preparation such as review worksheets, glossary listings, resource listings, and a full day review.

If are not registered for the Global Business Professional Series but would like to attend the full day review please contact us at 210.458.2470.

If you are a Global Business Professional attendee and would like tutoring or would like to organize a study group please post your questions or study dates. You can also contact Jen at 210.458.2470.
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The Global Business Professional Series kicked-off with the International Logistics Seminar on May 10, 2007 in San Antonio, Texas. Over 50 mid-to-upper level managers from primarily the Texas area attended the seminar. They represented companies both new a and experienced in trade.

Seminar highlights included Jorge Canavati's enthusiastic outlook on the rapidly developing China-Mexico-Texas trade corridor. Field Barnes also provided a myriad of insightful information on importing into the US. His examples of footwear and textiles were excellent illustrations. Lastly, our most memorable speaker, Miriam Name, re-energized the audience with tomatoes on the vine and tongue in cheek examples of creative tariff re-engineering.

The International Trade Center team is grateful to the San Antonio Water System for hosting our training in such a fabulous facility. In addition, we'd like to recognize our sponsors for their support: Cacheaux, Cavazos, & Newton; Port San Antonio; Sol Schwartz & Associates; JP Morgan Chase Bank; Robert F. Barnes Customs Brokers; Port2Port China Sourcing; Tech BA.

To see the International Trade Logistics seminar in action please visit our photo gallery at www.flickr.com/photos/itc.
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We are excited to announce Cacheaux, Cavazos, and Newton as well as Sol Schwartz & Associates as platinum sponsors of the GBP Series.

Cacheaux, Cavazos & Newton is an international law firm based in San Antonio dedicated to serving clients engaged in business transactions in the United States, Mexico, and throughout Latin America. They will present during the logistics, marketing, and management seminars on legal requirements for documentation, contracts and distributor agreements, and international legal systems and implications on business. You can check them out online at www.ccn-law.com.

Sol Schwartz & Associates, P.C. is one of the largest independent certified public accounting firms in San Antonio. They are a full service firm providing international tax, audit, consulting, and other services to a wide range of clients. During the GBP global management seminar they will share their insight on the US-Mexico tax treaty and its implications on business strategy. Check out their wide array of international tax services online at www.ssacpa.com.

The International Trade Center is confident both sponsors will provide a wealth of knowledge, experience, and resources to GBP participants.

If you are interested in registering for their presentations contact us at 210.458.2470.
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The International Trade Center is excited to welcome TechBA - Austin, Texas as a silver sponsor of the Global Business Professional Series.

The Mexico - Austin Technology Business Accelerator (TechBA Austin) is part of the TechBA Program, designed to support top-tier Mexican companies in bringing their innovative technology, products and services to the U.S. and global markets. The TechBA Program, created by the Ministry of the Economy of Mexico and operated by the United States-Mexico Foundation for Science (FUMEC), partners with U.S. organizations in order to ensure best practices and access to the entrepreneurial and financial ecosystems of key technological regions, such as Austin and Silicon Valley. Visit them online at www.techbasv.com.

Other sponsors include Port San Antonio and Robert F. Barnes Customs House Brokers.
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Monica Alcoz, our lead consultant for the logistics seminar, has developed a strong lineup for our attendees. For information on how you can attend this comprehensive course and make invaluable contacts give us a call at 210.458.2470.

8:00 - 8:15 am
Introduction
Topics includes the NASBITE Certified Global Business Professional designation.

8:15 - 9:30 am
Export Process Example: Shipping to Mexico via Truck
Topics include roles of freight forwarders/customs brokers, consolidation, steps for exporting to Mexico by truck, standard export documentation, packaging requirements (regulatory and non-regulatory), insurance and transportation liability regimes.

9:40 - 11:00 am
Third Party Logistics and Optimization of Supply Chain Solutions
Topics include role of 3PL outsourcing alternative, evaluation and selection of 3PLs, comparing modes of transportation and cost, inventory, time to market, landed costs and customer requirements.

11:10 - 11:50 am
Case Example: FedEx and Global Shipping
Rick Rayne, Senior Account Executive - International, FedEx Services (confirmed)
Topics include air freight options, documents, packaging, insurance and transportation liability.

12:00 - 1:30 pm
Catered Lunch & Importing into the U.S.
Field Barnes, President, RF Barnes Customs House Brokers (confirmed)
Topics include import process, US Customs Regulatory compliance, standard import documentation, calculation of duties & taxes, duty drawback program, tariff engineering, security issues & programs.

1:40 - 2:10 pm
International Commercial Terms
Wayne Krennerich, President - Houston Custom Brokers & Freight Forwarders Association; Import Manager, R.W. Smith & Company (confirmed)
Topics include an overview of the international commercial terms (Incoterms) including their definitions, implications, and buyer/seller liability.

2:10 - 3:40 pm
Maritime Shipping
Wayne Krennerich, President - Houston Custom Brokers & Freight Forwarders Association; Import Manager, R.W. Smith & Company (confirmed)
Topics include freight forwarder and customs broker role in maritime shipping, required maritime documents, packing requirements, marking requirements, costs & time for maritime shipping.

3:50 - 4:30 pm
Offshore Legal and Regulatory Requirements Regarding Documentation for Goods/Services
Miriam Name, Attorney, Cacheaux Cavazos & Newton, L.L.P.(confirmed)
Topics include country of origin determination, NAFTA/generic certificate of origin, sanitary certificate and export/import control regulations.

4:10 pm
Questions & Conclusion of Program
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Now in its third year, the Global Business Professional Series has proven successful by facilitating business growth. In addition, over 17 training alumni have received the NASBITE Certified Global Business Professional designation. Don’t just take our word for it, check out our list of NASBITE CGBP alumni:


Monica Maria Alcoz, Consultant, International Trade Center, San Antonio, Texas

John W. Blunt, III, Austin, Texas

Reynaldo Cano, Intl. Business Consultant, South Texas Border International Trade Center, San Antonio, Texas

Jaime N. Cantu, Daniel B. Hastings, Inc., Laredo, Texas

Paul Conley, Owner, Inter-America Foods, Inc., Victoria, Texas

Eric J. De King, Manager, Customs Compliance, Daniel B. Hastings, Inc., San Antonio, Texas

Humberto Garza, Operations Manager, Laredo International Airport, Laredo, Texas

Brian D. Ingram, President, Novo Spero, San Antonio, Texas

Lauro Andres Jauregui, Deputy Trade Commissioner of Mexico, Trade Commission of Mexico, San Antonio, Texas

Jennifer T. Martinez, Sr. International Business Consultant, International Trade Center, San Antonio, Texas

Bernard J. Natho, Austin, Texas

**Cliff Allan Paredes, Director, UTSA International Trade Center, San Antonio, Texas

Richard P. Perez, Program Manager, Texas A&M International University, Laredo, Texas

Angelo Piccirillo, Industrial Development Specialist, Laredo Development Foundation, Laredo, Texas

Stephen Brian Portnoy, Principal, Nichibei Consulting, Austin, Texas

Maury A. Smeyne, Vice-President, Texas Sassy Foods, Austin, Texas

Douglas Smith, Senior International Business Consultant, International Trade Center UTSA, San Antonio, Texas

Virginia F. Vincent, Program Manager, Texas A&M International University, Laredo, Texas
___________________
** indicates candidate received the highest score for that particular test date.
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Greetings, bon jour, hola, and ni hao!

Welcome to the Global Business Professional Series blog created by the SW Texas SBDC International Trade Center.

This blog is focused on providing information and creating a community for the upcoming "Global Business Professional Series" import/export training program beginning in San Antonio, Texas on May 3, 2007.

The Global Business Professional Series provides small-and-medium size companies with high-level import and export training to develop trade activities for business growth. The training also prepares individuals for the NASBITE Certified Global Business Professional Exam.

The program is in its third year and is returning to San Antonio, Texas in Spring 2007. It will also be offered in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico in Fall 2007.

Current dates:
Global Marketing - May 3, 2007
International Trade Logistics - May 10, 2007
Trade Finance & Payment Methods - May 17, 2007
Global Management - May 24, 2007
NASBITE CGBP exam review - June 7, 2007

Location:
San Antonio Water System Headquarters, Tower II
2800 U.S. Highway 281 North
San Antonio, Texas 782

Costs: includes seminar binders, materials and meals. Participants registered for the entire series receive The Global Entrepreneur and a full day review prior to the NASBITE CGBP™ exam. Registration for the exam is not included. Contact us for registration discounts for two or more attendees.

Option I: Entire Series - includes all four seminars, a NASBITE CGBP™ full-day exam review, and The Global Entrepreneur by Jim Foley

Entire series registration - $375

Option II: Per Seminar - includes seminar binders, materials, continental breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks

Early registration - $125
Late registration - $150
NASBITE CGBP™ Exam: not included

Total exam fees - $345

Register today at (210) 458-2470
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