Export development is a top priority for the Alabama Development Office (ADO), and in 2012, the agency is working to help Alabama companies thrive in the international market place.
ADO, on behalf of the Export Alabama Alliance (EAA), released the 2012 Alabama Trade Strategy: Accelerate Alabama Exports, A Driver for Economic Development. The EAA is network of international trade agencies with the objective of helping Alabama companies grow their business internationally. The alliance is made up of local, state and federal organizations which work together to develop and coordinate programs to facilitate the export of Alabama’s goods and services overseas.
The EAA strategy reinforces and supports Accelerate Alabama, the economic development strategic plan for the state. The goal of the plan is to increase profitability and create new jobs through expanding exports in the state, especially with small and medium-sized companies.
“Export development focusing on our small and medium-sized businesses is a top priority for Governor Bentley,” said ADO Director Greg Canfield, “This focus is also shared by our legislative leadership. Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh met with me and other trade organizations to ensure that resources were in place for export growth,” he added.
The 2012 Trade Strategy will offer a range of services and support to small businesses which will educate, facilitate and sustain Alabama firms in developing and implementing strategies to increase exports. Matchmaking opportunities in developing countries to include China, Poland, Hungary, Canada, Colombia and Panama will bring Alabama exporters face-to-face with qualified buyers. It will also update companies on the current issues and intricacies of doing business in these markets and will include opportunities to meet one-on-one with potential business partners.
To maximize the resources the Export Alabama Alliance will continue to integrate its strategy into a comprehensive economic vision and strategy for growth. By doing so, it will leverage existing resources to ensure maximum assistance is given to the private and public sectors throughout the state for export development. “The Alliance is committed to accelerating job growth and providing businesses with the tools they need to be globally competitive, said Hilda Lockhart, Director of International Trade for ADO.
The report also identifies programs and activities for 2012 and provides a recap of the EAA undertakings during 2011.
The Alliance includes: the Alabama Development Office, Alabama Department of Agriculture, Alabama International Trade Center, Alabama State Port Authority, Alabama World Trade Association, Birmingham Business Alliance, Madison County Commission International Trade Development Center, Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, North Alabama International Trade Association, Port of Huntsville and the U.S. Department of Commerce Birmingham Export Assistance Center.
A copy of the report can be found on the ADO website http://www.alabamausa.org/.