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| Photo: Containerships In Suez Canel. Credit: Wikimedia Commons. |
FROM: U.S. EXPORT-IMPORT BANK
Ex-Im Bank Chairman, Congressman Schiff Call on California Companies to Export and Gain Competitive Edge in Global Economy
Forum focuses on how businesses can increase foreign sales, move state economy forward
Los Angeles, Calif. -- Today Export-Import Bank Chairman Fred P. Hochberg and Congressman Adam Schiff (CA-28) hosted an exporter forum for local small and medium-sized businesses in downtown Los Angeles. More than 100 representatives from local companies attended the event, which focused on how American companies can gain a competitive edge and grow their business when exporting their products overseas. Local small businesses also received one-on-one trade counseling from Export-Import Bank experts.
"I am pleased to be here today with Congressman Schiff to highlight the benefits of exporting," said Chairman Hochberg. "Exports create and sustain U.S. jobs, and Ex-Im Bank will continue to host forums across the country that encourage small and medium-sized businesses to take advantage of foreign sales opportunities. Los Angeles businesses have much to gain from such opportunities, and we are confident that today’s forum will provide them necessary tools to sell their great exports around the world."
"I was delighted to see so many business people gather to hear presentations on how to improve their exports," said Representative Schiff. "Expanding American exports is a key ingredient in improving our economy, growing jobs and competing in a global environment. I want to see America become a manufacturing and exporting powerhouse again, and I will be doing everything I can to help our local businesses grow and thrive."
During the forum, Chairman Hochberg gave an overview of Export-Import Bank's Global Access for Small-Business initiative, aimed at increasing the number of small businesses across the United States that export goods and services produced by U.S. workers. This is an integral part of the President’s National Export Initiative (NEI) to double U.S. exports by 2015.
In FY’12, Ex-Im Bank authorized more than $2.3 billion for California businesses, with more than 20% going to small businesses.
Global Access is supported by a wide variety of business, financial and government partners, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), and the Bank’s 60-plus city/state partners located throughout the U.S. Export-Import Bank has hosted more than 40 Global Access forums around the country.
