1st Annual World Trade Day

Registration, Networking Breakfast & Global Exchange Stations/Exhibit Hall

Welcome & Introduction

Matthew T. McGuire, Former United States Executive Director, The World Bank Group

“World Trade Day” Proclamation

1. Emerging Markets: Still Driving Global Economic Growth?

Emerging markets – from those in Asia and Latin America to Africa and Central/Eastern Europe – have underpinned global economic growth for the past several years. However, slowing economies such as China’s, weaker currencies, an over-reliance on commodities and political instability, among other factors, are decelerating growth. What risks do these trends pose to firms exporting, importing or investing in these markets? What can we expect in terms of political and economic changes over the next decade? Learn more about what industries are poised to grow, creating trade and investment opportunities.

2. Global Trends to Build, Innovate and Attract

Both companies and governments at all levels – city, state, national – are searching for ways to compete. How do companies engage in product and process innovation as well as design thinking to not only survive but thrive in today’s global economy? How do governments build a favorable business environment to incentivize innovation, attract investment and help create well-paying, sustainable jobs? Are there ways in which companies and governments can partner to achieve their goals? Panelists will address these and other questions. Participants will gain information and novel insights about these global trends.

3. Securing Imports and Exports Government agencies who are tasked with international trade oversight and regulatory enforcement not only secure America’s borders protecting the public from dangerous people and materials, their mission is also to enhance the Nation’s global economic competitiveness by enabling legitimate trade and travel. These agencies also preserve our nation’s natural resources; protect, restore, and enhance the world’s diverse wildlife; protect public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of products imported into or exported from the US. Participants will gain an understanding of the latest rules and regulations governing imports and exports, and how these affect corporate growth plans.

Networking & Global Exchange Stations

North America Rising? Maintaining a Competitive Advantage in a Volatile Global Economy

The United States, Canada and Mexico – three different economies located in the same North American region – are bound by highly integrated industries partly facilitated by a North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). How will their economies change over the next decade vis-à-vis global competitors? Where will the trade and investment opportunities arise, particularly under the prospect of a revised NAFTA? Will traditional industries such as automotive, agriculture and energy continue to drive growth, or, new ones such as digital media and cleantech? Understanding these processes will help firms make informed strategic decisions about their trade and investment activities in the region.

Global leadership Award Presentation

1. Advanced Manufacturing: The Impact of Technology and a Changing Workforce on Company Competitiveness

To thrive in today’s global economy manufacturers are using technology that integrates processes not just within the firm, but across operations and their entire global value chain. At the same time, their qualified workforce is shrinking and customers want products faster. How can firms be productive in order to compete? What role does international trade and investment play? Facilitated by a subject matter expert and smaller group discussions, participants will engage in discussion and acquire knowledge to help them improve their competitive positions.

2. Digital Technologies: How Disruptions Lead to Opportunities

Digital technologies embedded in new creations from the mobile internet and the internet of things to next-generation genomics and 3-D printing are disrupting traditional industries. Medical, financial and manufacturing firms, among many others, must keep pace with rapid innovation and its effects. Facilitated by a subject matter expert and smaller group discussions, participants will learn how to recognize and seize global opportunities while managing associated risks.

3. Energy Solutions: Creating New Markets

With increasing global demand for energy, how are suppliers and buyers meeting this challenge? Learn how firms – from large, established utilities to alternative energy start-ups to corporate buyers – innovate to create new energy markets. Understand the regulatory environment and its impact on market opportunities. Facilitated by a subject matter expert and smaller group discussions, participants acquire knowledge to help them make strategic business decisions.

Relax and enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres while solidifying new relationships developed throughout the day. Listen to our guest speaker who will provide insights into the future of global trade and investment. Make future international business plans with new partners while discussing lessons learned from this 1st Annual World Trade Day Georgia!

Celebrate a successful World Trade Day and get ready for next year’s with closing remarks and an exciting Raffle!

*Select sessions will be livestreamed globally