Spectrum - Volume 20 Issue 03 September 11, 1997 - World trade conference under way

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World trade conference under way

By Catherine Doss

Spectrum Volume 20 Issue 03 - September 11, 1997

Opportunities in the newly reunified China/Hong Kong market will be a major topic at the 49th Virginia Conference on World Trade, under way through September 12 at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center. The conference is sponsored by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. Virginia Tech is a major supporter of the event and is assisting in planning and programming.

Kimberly Silver, director of business advisory services for the U.S./China Business Council will speak on "China and Hong Kong; Dynamic Change in the World's Largest Market," during the closing session of the conference.

Recognized as one of the nation's longest-running trade conferences, the event attracts hundreds of participants from throughout Virginia and surrounding states each year. Conference workshops are designed to assist Virginia companies in increasing their international sales. Sessions will address such topics as: identifying overseas markets; locating and hiring and overseas distributor/agent; marketing opportunities in the Pacific Rim and Latin America; obtaining capital financing for exporting; and negotiating international deals.

There will also be a hands-on session, "World Trade on the Worldwide Web," where participants will create their own homepage.

Another feature of the conference will be a three-day trade show with more than 40 exhibitors showcasing products and services to assist exporters and importers.

"Roanoke and the central southwest region are home to a solid manufacturing base producing world-class products that contribute significantly to Virginia's competitiveness in global markets," said Hugh Keogh, president of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. "We are very pleased to be bringing the 1997 conference to western Virginia."