May is World Trade Month, and the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), along with export, trade, and finance-related federal agencies will host a series of Twitter Q&A Sessions for U.S. companies. The Twitter chat series will provide U.S. companies with exporting solutions and resources to begin or expand exporting goods and services to overseas markets.
Through the chats, businesses can ask questions and connect directly with U.S. government agencies that play a role in President Obama’s National Export Initiative (NEI),
which seeks to grow and create jobs by increasing exports. USTR plays a key role in executing the NEI by opening markets and securing access for U.S. businesses around the world. In addition to USTR, the Department of State, the Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), the International Trade Administration (ITA), the Small Business Administration (SBA), BusinessUSA, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), and the Export-Import Bank of the United States all play a role in supporting the NEI, and will participate in the chat.
Businesses can participate in the event by tweeting their questions using the hashtag #TradeChat during the scheduled times listed below.
Schedule and topics
Thursday, May 9th at 2:00pm EDT: Export Opportunities
Agencies will share information about export assistance, international business partnership programs, match-making, and market research. U.S. companies will also learn about the new BusinessUSA.gov website and how this one-stop resource can help businesses begin exporting or increase their exports.
Thursday, May 16th at 2:00pm EDT: Financing
Export financing is often a key factor in a successful sale. U.S. companies should be aware of the many financing options available from U.S. government agencies to assist them with the export and trade process. This Twitter chat will provide firms with more information about the available financing options, including buyer financing, insuring foreign receivables, and working capital loans and guarantees.
Thursday, May 23rd at 2:00pm EDT: Training and Travel Opportunities
U.S. government agencies often host training, webinars, workshops, seminars, trade missions and trade fairs for U.S. companies interested in doing business overseas. This Twitter chat will provide firms with the knowledge they need to utilize these resources and events and connect directly with foreign buyers.
Joining the discussion
To participate, sign into your Twitter account at the start time and submit a question on the topic using hashtag #TradeChat. Agencies will respond to as many Tweets and questions on the topic as possible. Questions can also be submitted in advance using the online form on http://www.ustda.gov/TradeChat.
For information on the Twitter chat series, visit http://www.ustda.gov/TradeChat. A live feed of the chats will be broadcast and archived on USTDA’s website for individuals who are not connected to Twitter.
Highlights from the Twitter chat series will also be available on Storify here.
