U.S. Department of Commerce to Host
Free Trade Agreement Briefings Statewide

The U.S. Department of Commerce, in cooperation with the Alabama Development Office and the Export Alabama Alliance, will host seminars on Free Trade Agreements for Alabama businesses.

Walter Bastian, deputy assistant secretary for the Western Hemisphere at the U.S. Department of Commerce, will discuss three pending Free Trade Agreements with Colombia, Panama, and Peru.  He will also suggest a number of ways that Alabama companies can maximize export opportunities, build new trade and investment relationships, and strengthen the state’s competitive edge in today’s global business environment. 

Mr. Bastian is responsible for developing programs, policies and strategies designed to strengthen the United States' commercial position in the region. He is well versed in workforce development and education, innovation, small business development, and supply chain strategies to increase competitiveness and economic prosperity.  
 

The seminars are set for:

Birmingham           November 7                11:00 am -1:00 pm            Birmingham Chamber*

Mobile                      November 8                11:30 am -1:00 pm            Mobile Chamber          

To register for the seminars or learn more, contact Heath Cosgrove, international trade specialist, Alabama Development Office, 334-242-0450 or Heath.Cosgrove@ado.alabama.gov.  Registration is requested and lunch will be provided.

*The Huntsville and Birmingham seminars will be held in conjunction with the Turkey Trade Mission briefing. Guests are strongly encouraged to attend. The Turkey Trade Mission will take place March 6-15, 2008, and is being coordinated by the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, ADO and the Export Alabama Trade Alliance.  Companies interested in this mission will be briefed on opportunities in Turkey and the logistics of the mission