International

AdvocacyInternational

San Francisco Announced as Host City for Asia-Pacific
Leaders Meeting in Fall 2023
CalChamber, November 21, 2022

Economic Impact of Russia’s Invasion into Ukraine
CalChamber, February 25, 2022

Letter from the Consul General of Ukraine in San Francisco with Appeal to Support Ukraine
USAID / U.S. Chamber Briefing on the Humanitarian Crisis in Ukraine for the Business Community
USAID Corporate Call to Action
Information on the Humanitarian Crisis in Ukraine from the U.S. Chamber Foundation

Overview

California is the fifth largest economy in the world with a gross state product (GSP) of more than $3 trillion. International-related commerce (including exports and imports of goods and services, plus investments) accounts for approximately one-quarter of the state’s economy. Although trade is a nationally determined policy issue, its impact on California is immense. California exports to over 226 foreign markets.

The California Chamber of Commerce supports expansion of international trade and investment, fair and equitable market access for California products abroad, and elimination of disincentives that impede the international competitiveness of California business.

Canada Day Lunch Focuses on Investors Helping Build Sustainable Economic Future

(February 28, 2023) Ways in which investments from Canada and California pension programs are advancing the move toward a green, sustainable economy were the focus of a recent luncheon discussion at the California Chamber of Commerce.

The February 22 gathering was presented by the Consulate General of Canada in San Francisco in partnership with the CalChamber and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development.

Global Trade Issues with Touch of Politics Get Attention at CalChamber Forum

International Forum Speakers
(From left) Arun Venkataraman, assistant secretary of commerce for global markets and director general of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service, U.S. Department of Commerce; Dan Walters, columnist, CalMatters; Emily Desai, deputy director for international affairs and trade, Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz); Susanne T. Stirling, CalChamber vice president, international affairs. Photo by bryanpatrickphoto.com

(June 7, 2022) Common challenges facing the global community were the focus of an enthusiastic audience at the California Chamber of Commerce-hosted in-person International Forum last week.

Speaking to the 175 attendees at the June 1 forum were:

  • Arun Venkataraman, assistant secretary of commerce for global markets and director general at the U.S. Department of Commerce;
  • Emily Desai, deputy director for international affairs and trade at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz);
  • Dan Walters, longtime political columnist, CalMatters.

CalChamber-Hosted Mexico Advocacy Day Lunch Focuses on Future of Bilateral Relationship

(From left to right:) Ambassador Liliana Ferrer, Consul General of Mexico in Sacramento; Ms. Jennifer Barrera, President & CEO, CalChamber; Ms. Cristina Planter Riebeling, Director General of North American Affairs, Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Mr. Richard Kiy, President & CEO, Institute of the Americas.

On May 3, the California Chamber of Commerce hosted a luncheon for the 13th Annual California Mexico Advocacy Day in conjunction with the Consulate General of Mexico in Sacramento.

The luncheon focused on the future of the bilateral relationship between California and Mexico as the bilateral partners emerge from the global COVID-19 pandemic. The California-Mexico relationship has remained strong, as Mexico continued to be California’s No. 1 export market in 2021.

CalChamber Hosts Reception for Japanese Ambassador and Delegation

Intl-Reception-3-21-2022-Group,
(From left) California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis; Hiroshi Kawamura, Consul General of Japan in San Francisco; Japanese Ambassador Koji Tomita; CalChamber President and CEO Jennifer Barrera; Dee Dee Myers, Director, Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz).

On Monday, March 21 the California Chamber of Commerce hosted a reception for the Japanese Ambassador to the United States.

Ambassador Koji Tomita was accompanied by a delegation including Hiroshi Kawamura, Consul General of Japan in San Francisco, and representatives from the business community together with California state government officials.

The Ambassador was escorted to the CalChamber offices by the Lieutenant Governor of California, Ambassador Eleni Kounalakis, and Dee Dee Myers, Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), following the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) on climate change and energy earlier in the day.

World Trade Month Spotlights Importance of Global Trade to State, U.S. Economies
CalChamber, May 10, 2021

CalChamber International Trade Issues and Priorities

There are numerous trade issues that affect the United States and consequently, California. Each region and issue page gives an overview, and links to related organizations and documents. To view the trade issues, please click here.

CalChamber Outlines Trade Priorities for Congress, Federal Officials
CalChamber, March 11, 2021

CalChamber Council for International Trade

CalChamber Council for International Trade hosts trade events, forums, and guests.

International Activities

Overview

Looking Out for Business

Through our lobbying team and committees, we monitor state and federal legislative issues, as well as multilateral and bilateral trade negotiations on behalf of Californians doing business abroad.

Making Connections

We work as a clearinghouse of information for international trade. We encourage our members to share their international expertise, while also bridging the gap between government agencies and private companies, here and abroad.

Getting Involved

We give you as many chances as possible to grow your international business. Each year, we sponsor/co-sponsor trade and investment missions, educational programs and conferences, as well as trade and catalog shows.

Trade Missions

CalChamber delegations have participated in the state’s trade and investment missions. Members and CalChamber officials often participate in trade events such as International Expos and the World Economic Forum. Board members and officials have accompanied six California Governors to various worldwide destinations, including Mexico City to discuss the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA.)

Lt. Governor Led Mission to Mexico – October 2019

From October 1-4, 2019 a delegation of California business and state agencies led by Lieutenant Governor Ambassador Eleni Kounalakis traveled to Mexico City for a trade mission to advance business, collaboration and partnership between California and Mexico.

The delegation was made up of 20 private sector leaders from the agriculture, energy, and clean-technology sectors, as well as approximately 20 representatives from an array of state agencies. Visit the blog to learn more.

Gubernatorial Trade Mission to Mexico – July 2014

MOU SigningVisit the blog to learn more about this successful trade and investment mission led by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr., organized by the California Chamber of Commerce and the California Foundation for Commerce and Education, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization affiliated with CalChamber.

Along with senior members of his administration and business delegates, Governor Brown traveled to Mexico City, the political capital and financial center of Mexico.

Gubernatorial Trade Mission to China – April 2013

CalChamber President/CEO Allan Zaremberg and Governor BrownThe delegation traveled throughout China and attended the opening of the California Trade and Investment Office in Shanghai, California’s first official permanent presence in China in nearly a decade. With more investment deals from China than any other state, California is positioned to capture China’s growing foreign investment. Trade Mission Blog

Past Trade Missions

Cuba Policy Trip

CalChamber Joins World Affairs Council on Cuba Policy Trip – April 2015

cuba-300-200This nation-wide 20-member delegation met with high-ranking government officials, chatted with entrepreneurs in the emerging Cuban private sector, enjoyed the work of professional artists and musicians, heard from renowned historians and convened with diplomats and economists.

Cuba Policy Trip Blog

Awards

CalChamber’s Susanne Stirling Is Sacramento County Woman of the Year

Susanne T. Stirling

CalChamber Vice President of International Affairs Susanne Stirling has been named Woman of the Year for Sacramento County by California Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa). The Senator recognized Stirling for her leadership and decades-long commitment to promoting economic development and cooperation between the state and other countries.“In many ways, California’s economy is tied to international markets, and Susanne brings a level of experience and knowledge that is critical as we successfully and safely reopen our state,” Senator Dodd said. “She has been an ambassador for international trade for many years and has continued to serve with distinction as we weathered this historic public health crisis. I’m proud to recognize her for her efforts to help our state’s business community.”

“I am deeply appreciative to Senator Dodd for this recognition,” Susanne Stirling said. “During this challenging time in our world with global-wide trade disruptions, my focus is to assist with the state’s economic recovery on behalf of the CalChamber through our international ties. International trade is a major part of the economic engine that benefits businesses, communities, consumers and our state’s prosperity.”

(CalChamber, March 25, 2021) Top Story

From left: Richard Swanson, US Department of Commerce; Susanne Stirling, CalChamber; Lilia Navarrette, president, Women in International Trade -Los Angeles.

Trade Group Recognizes CalChamber’s Susanne Stirling as ‘Outstanding Woman of the Year in International Trade’

California Chamber of Commerce Vice President of International Affairs Susanne Stirling yesterday was presented with the “Outstanding Woman of the Year in International Trade” award by the Women in International Trade, Los Angeles (WIT-LA).

Stirling received the award during WIT-LA’s Global Trade Awards Gala in Manhattan Beach, which brought together 150 individuals from the international trade world to recognize and celebrate women who serve as role models and who have paved the way for others in expanding their own business. The Gala also promoted international trade by recognizing the impact it has on the growing economy and its importance to the Los Angeles area. (CalChamber, November 8, 2019)

CalChamber Receives President’s Export Award

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke (right) presented the award to CalChamber Vice President of International Affairs Susanne Stirling in Washington, D.C.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke (right) presents the award to CalChamber Vice President of International Affairs Susanne Stirling in Washington, D.C.

President's Export Award LogoThe California Chamber of Commerce received the prestigious President’s “Excellence for Export Service Award,” the nation’s highest award to honor United States exporters.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke said that those honored at the November 2009 ceremony have “shown the foresight and ability to grow and prosper through a strong export strategy. Exporting U.S. manufactured goods and services plays an important role in rebuilding the American economy and creating jobs at home. With 95 percent of the world’s consumers living outside our borders, there is great potential to boost economic growth and create new jobs in America through exporting. Alert Article

CalChamber Receives Korean Presidential Citation

Consul General Jeong Gwan Lee (left) and Consul Kwang Ho Lee (right) of the Korean Consulate General in San Francisco present the Korean Presidential Citation to Susanne Stirling.
Consul General Jeong Gwan Lee (left) and Consul Kwang Ho Lee (right) of the Korean Consulate General in San Francisco present the Korean Presidential Citation to Susanne Stirling.

On December 6, 2012, the California Chamber of Commerce received the prestigious Presidential Citation from the government of the Republic of Korea for promoting U.S.-Korea trade and commercial relations, and specifically for contributing to the passage of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

The CalChamber was an early supporter of the U.S.-Korea FTA, the culmination of a five-year process from negotiations, to passage and implementation.

Recent News

International COVID-19 Information Page, click here.

Diplomacy Matters:
California Leading the Way
NorCal World Trade Center Webinar featuring Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis; Consul General of Mexico in Sacramento, Liliana Ferrer; and Susanne Stirling, VP International Affairs, CalChamber; February 2021

Celebrating International Women’s Day Webinar with Women in International Trade, Los Angeles
Featuring Bella Heule, VP of Business Development, California Closets; Audrey Glover-Dichter, General Counsel, Organization of Women in International Trade; and Susanne Stirling, VP International Affairs, CalChamber; March 2021

Israel Trip Blog - Fall 2017

News and Publications

2017 California Export Guide

Resources

International Contacts

Councils

Coalitions

International Events

Jan
1
Sun
2023 Taiwan Trade Shows
Jan 1 @ 6:36 pm – Dec 31 @ 7:36 pm
Mar
19
Sun
Panama and CAFTA-DR – March 2023 USDA Trade Mission
Mar 19 – Mar 23 all-day

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service is accepting applications from U.S. exporters for a regional trade mission to Panama City, Panama from March 19-23, 2023.

“Panama is the economic, financial, and logistics and transport hub for Central America and this trade mission will provide us with an exciting opportunity to expand our growing presence across the region,” said FAS Administrator Daniel Whitley. “This is a perfect time to expand U.S. agricultural and food exports to Central America, where the rising incomes and a growing middle class in Central America are driving demand for consumer-oriented products and more.”

During the mission, FAS staff and regional experts will provide in-depth market briefings while in country. The agency will also arrange targeted business to business meetings for U.S. agribusinesses with potential customers from Panama, a bilateral Free Trade Agreement partner, as well as buyers from countries in the multilateral Central America and Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic.

Combined total agricultural exports to CAFTA-DR countries and Panama totaled a record $7.6 billion in 2021, up 50 percent since 2017. In 2022, agricultural product exports are on track to exceed that figure by nearly 25 percent.  Guatemala is the largest country by population in the region while the Dominican Republic is the largest economy and the United States’ largest agricultural product export market in the region.   Costa Rica and Panama are both important tourism destinations and are home to thousands of American and international expats, helping to drive demand for high-quality imported food products.  Moreover, Panama is a global top-five per capita consumer of U.S. food exports.

The region offers strong capabilities in logistics, distribution, processing, cold chain, and more. Strong opportunities exist for exporters across many industries, including but not limited to:

  • consumer and processor-oriented food;
  • poultry;
  • pork;
  • dairy products;
  • beer and wine;
  • snacks and packaged foods;
  • health functional foods, such as gluten and sugar free, keto, and organics.
Apr
13
Thu
How to Sell into the MENA Market via the Cross-border Digital Sales Channels
Apr 13 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am

How to Sell into the MENA Market via the Cross-border Digital Sales Channels

April 13th, 2023   10:00am Pacific/1:00pm Eastern

Cost: $25.00

As consumers across the MENA region have grown accustomed to purchasing online and cross-border, retailers are following suit. In the UAE, consumers are buying more online from outside the region, driving an anticipated 34% growth in cross-border online sales over the next three years.

Join us to learn more about accessing the MENA region through the online sales channel.

Apr
26
Wed
11th Annual Pan African Global Trade and Investment Conference
Apr 26 – Apr 30 all-day

The 11th Pan African Global Trade and Investment Conference will collaborate with the Center for African Peace and Conflict Resolution to develop and present strategic and sustainable approaches for conflict resolution in fragile and conflict-affected countries.

The conference will promote and support the use of trade, investment, and economic development for conflict resolution programs that. . .

  • Promote and facilitate the acquisition of conflict management and resolution skills through a collaborative effort of local and credible NGO’s

  • Promote and provide strategies for the inclusion of marginalized groups in trade, investment, and local economic development

  • Promote the establishment and operation of peace building strategies and institutions that establish and maintain successful conflict resolution training and behavior modification programs

  • Establish regional transformation based upon modern methods of social and economic development

  • Develop trade, investment and economic development networks which can immediately be relied on to increase peace and sustainability

  • Establish of small business cooperatives that work towards the accomplishment of the regional master plans for trade, investment, and local economic development

May
8
Mon
The Stockholm Model – Creating Sustainable Impact for Society through Collaboration and Innovation
May 8 – May 9 all-day

KTH (org.nr 202100-3054) as data controller determines the purposes for which and the means by which, personal data is processed. The legal term for processing is consent.

We retain your personal data for as long as it is necessary to fulfil the purposes for which they are processed. The date will only be accessible by staff at KTH and Axaco that are working with the event in question. You have a right to withdraw your consent at any time. Please contact the event organizer with this request [evenemang@kth.se]. 

Please note, withdrawing your consent does not affect the legality of the processing of personal data before the consent was withdrawn. You have the right to retain knowledge about what personal date we store on you. Please contact dataskydd@kth.se for corrections, restrictions, to have your data deleted or to stop the processing of your data. 

You can also contact KTH’s data protection officer (email dataskyddsombud@kth.se or phone: 08-790 87 52). It is also within your rights to contact the Swedish Authority for Privacy Protection for complaints about how KTH process your personal data.

For further information about how KTH process your personal data, please read Processing of personal data. For information about how the event system supplier process your personal data, please contact Tommy Wikstrom (tommy@axaco.se).

By submitting this form, you consent to be photographed and/or filmed by KTH at the event. The photos and/or recordings may be used in both printed and digital form, in various channels where KTH disseminates information about its activities. KTH reserves the right to use the material indefinitely. You can withdraw your consent by emailing KTH:s Data Protection Officer on dataskyddsombud@kth.se

To note, your personal data is stored in accordance with the Principle of public access the Archive Act and the regulations instituted by the National Archives of Sweden.

Invitation to conference May 8-9

More International Events

Staff Contact

Susanne-Stirling-2012-300x300Susanne Stirling
Vice President, International Affairs