WORLD TRADE CENTER UTAH The World Trade Center Utah (WTCU) has been delivering on its bold mission for Utah: to guide Utah companies into global markets. Utah is an ideal catalyst for increased—and profitable—international trade. Utah enjoys the unique cultural, educational, economic and foreign language foundations that the World Trade Center Utah is energizing for expanded global business opportunities. The WTCU daily brings together private and public sectors by offering, often in conjunction with talented partner agencies, a variety of indispensable resources. Approximately 600 businesses in all parts of Utah were assisted during the 2007/2008 year through a combination of educational classes and seminars, international business development events, and the ongoing generation of networking opportunities. Briefly stated, WTCU is working hard to assess, educate and connect international business in Utah. Several WTCU accomplishments this year include: ■
Hosting educational seminars such as: • “Opening New Markets, Expanding Opportunities Through Free Trade; Canada, Colombia, and Beyond” • Doing Business in South-East Asia, meetings with U.S. trade representatives and legislators on the Free Trade Agreements
■
Sponsoring economic development roundtables with partners: • The Ambassador for the Republic of Hungary
Lew Cramer, President & CEO WTC, with John Bruton, Former Irish Prime Minister and current EU Ambassador to the U.S.
• The Canadian trade delegation, with Eduardo Muñoz, Vice Minister of Foreign Trade, Republic of Colombia; ■
Connecting Utah business with: • The Ambassadors of Australia, Belgium, European Union, Hungary, Korea, Paraguay, France • Consular delegations from Peru, Malaysia, France, Japan, Canada, Hungary, Norway, Taipei With many aspects of trade and export assistance available through WTCU, businesses throughout Utah have the essential tools they need to undertake the most effective globalization of their products and services. In addition, through Utah’s membership in the World Trade Center Association, Utah companies have access to the vast resources of more than 300 other licensed World Trade Centers around the globe.
Governor Huntsman and Utah leaders greet dignitaries throughout the year.
The WTCU provides a “first stop” location for Utah business men and women to learn, to engage and to prepare for the future of their companies—even more broadly, the WTCU will enhance the future of Utah in an increasingly globalized world.
Governor’s Office of Economic Development • Annual Report 2008
59
