USCIB was once again a lead organizer for the annual World Trade Week festivities in New York City. Joining cities around the country during the third week in May, New York celebrated the role of trade and exports in driving regional and national prosperity.
In celebration of World Trade Week, USCIB organized a presentation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), “Are Your Exports/Imports CITES Compliant?,” along with sponsors Reed Exhibitions and the Jewelry Vigilance Committee, in partnership with the office of Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D – N.Y.). FWS is charged with enforcing the United Nations Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in the United States. Wildlife Inspector Naimah Aziz provided an in-depth training on the CITES convention and other local regulations that affect the trade in certain furs, coral, skins, sea and plant life.
A record number of people turned out for the kickoff awards breakfast at Baruch College on May 13. The keynote speaker was Sam Schwartz, president and CEO of Sam Schwartz Engineering. Rep. Charles B. Rangel (D. – N.Y.) addressed the breakfast, emphasizing the importance of the trade community and of making favorable policy decisions to enhance trade, and presented three top awards. The Export Appreciation Award, which went to the American Association of Independent Music. The Export Achievement Award, which was presented to Lumi.Solar; and finally the Global Trade Award, given to United-States Mexico Chamber of Commerce, Northeast Chapter.
Directly following the kick off breakfast Amanda Barlow, USCIB’s director of carnet and trade services marketing, took part in a panel discussion along with U.S. Customs and Border Protection on essential resources for international trade. Ms Barlow described how U.S. exporters can get their goods abroad duty and tax-free into 85 customs territories using the ATA Carnet, also known as the Merchandise Passport.
