The continually growing economies in China and the 10 ASEAN countries account for over 21% of US global trade in goods and services. This trading block has become larger the the combined European countries for US business. China continues to be a significant trade partner, currently third behind Canada and Mexico, despite the stress in US-China relations and internal changes in China. This trade relationship is expected to continue to grow with China passing Canada or Mexico by 2024. Collectively, the ASEAN countries have become the fourth largest export market for the United States after Canada, Mexico, and China. With 350 million people, approximately $300 billion of disposable income, median age around 28 years old, Southeast Asia will offer tremendous market opportunities for U.S. companies.
International trade with China and ASEAN countries will become an important part of your import/export strategy simply based on their growth and significant presence in US trade. This session will provide perspectives on both the international trade environments in China and ASEAN. Experienced speakers are on the ground and can provide the most current and accurate information on how to trade with China and the ASEAN countries.
Speakers:
· Bill Pearce from Widener University SBDC.
· Elizabeth Rowland, Director of Subnational Initiatives, US-China Business Council
· Virgil Bisio, Commercial Officer, U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Embassy Beijing, China
· Sarath Menon, Pennsylvania’s Authorized Trade Representative for Southeast Asia. Director, Orissa International Pte Ltd’s Singapore office representing Pennsylvania in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.
Export Resources:
· Antonio Ceballos, U.S. Commercial Service Philadelphia.
· Ed Schick, SBA Export Financing
· Ron Drozd, Director, Export Programs and Services, World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia
