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Montana World Trade Center at UM Hosts Trade Forum

World Trade & Investment Day (FB Cover w Description)

– In celebration of World Trade Month, the Montana World Trade Center at the University of Montana will convene its annual forum to highlight the importance of world trade and investment for Montana’s economy. The event will take place Thursday, May 18, at UM’s University Center, and limited tickets are available at http://www.mwtc.org.

 

“World trade and investment are essential to Montana’s economy,” said Brigitta Miranda-Freer, MWTC executive director. “From wheat to SaaS [software as a service] products and everything in between, Montanans are selling their products and services around the world, importing supply chain solutions and receiving investment from global markets.

 

“Given our geographic location, some folks might incorrectly assume that world trade and investment matters less to our state or that we are somehow better off when we choose to disengage from global markets,” she said. “Nothing could be further from the truth.”

 

Clearly others agree. A pre-reception on Wednesday, May 17, will feature Montana Photonics Industry Association President Jason Yager, who will talk with Montana Ambassador President James Thompson about global market opportunity for this burgeoning Montana industry.

 

On the Thursday, May 18, morning tactical training sessions for firms engaged in international trade will be followed by networking and a lunch program highlighting key results from MWTC’s 2022 World Trade & Investment Survey, as well as trends that may help Montana grow its trade and investment portfolio.

 

Additionally, John W. Miller, chief economic analyst with Trade Data Monitor, will share his perspective on global trade, including the U.S.-China relationship, supply chain changes since 2000, agricultural trade trends, and the future of free trade policies globally. Australia’s Consul General Nick Nichles and Japan’s Deputy Consul General Junichi Sumi will underscore the importance of maintaining and expanding trading relationships with key partner nations. SRS Crisafulli, the District Export Council Exporter of the Year, will be honored. Events will conclude with a discussion of Montana’s rare earth elements and critical minerals as they relate to semiconductor production, the overall transition to a green economy and global trade.

 

“When it comes to understanding challenges, solutions and opportunities in global markets, it’s important to create a forum that engages the top-level talent we have right here in addition to bringing in some targeted expertise to round out our perspective,” Miranda-Freer said. “Montanans know how to get things done. We just need the right tools and the right network, and the sky’s the limit.”

 

World Trade Week was established in 1935 by President Franklin Roosevelt and subsequently expanded to encompass the entire month of May.

 

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Contact: Brigitta Miranda-Freer, Montana World Trade Center executive director, 406-243-6982, [email protected].

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