| Welcome to Global Pulse, a new e-newsletter produced by DBED's Division of International Investment and Trade. Global Pulse will keep you updated on the Department's many efforts to attract and grow Maryland international companies, create jobs and expand the State's global presence. |
|
A Message from the Governor
 International business is a vital part of our State's economy, and Maryland continues to build on its strong reputation as an international business leader. In uncertain economic times, promoting foreign direct investment and helping Maryland companies access international markets are among the State's most productive tools for economic development.
At last night's International Business Leadership Awards sponsored by the World Trade Center Institute, I shared my vision for expanding Maryland's international efforts. In addition to launching this e-newsletter, the plan includes four additional priorities (click here for complete details):
- Establish the Maryland International Business Center
- Convene the Governor's International Advisory Council
- Launch Maryland's first incubator dedicated to foreign-owned companies
- Redesign DBED's International Web site
Future editions of Global Pulse will help you learn more about how the O'Malley-Brown Administration is attracting foreign direct investment, creating jobs, and helping Maryland companies expand globally.
-Martin O'Malley
|
Maryland-Suzhou Summit set for March 20
DBED will be conducting the Maryland-Suzhou Summit, one of the largest Maryland-China business events, on March 20 at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda. DBED Secretary Christian Johansson and other State business and government leaders will welcome Chinese officials and executives from large Chinese technology companies exploring investment opportunities in the United States. Click here for more information and registration details.
|
Mark your calendars! DBED is participating in the following events:
MEDTEC Japan: April 7-9; Yokohama, Japan; Contact: Cathleen Hamel
BIO International Convention: May 18-21; Contact: DBED staff
FCE Pharma 2009: May 26-28; Sao Paulo, Brazil ; Contact: Linda Goray
Shanghai BIO Forum: May 2009; Shanghai, China; Contact: Brad Gillenwater
Biomed Israel: June 14-16; Contact: Barry Bogage
Paris Air Show: June 15-21; Contact: DBED staff
|
|
|
Expanding your business? Let us help...
If your business has a physical presence in Maryland and is ready to expand abroad, then DBED may be an ideal partner.
 Any "export-ready" Maryland business is eligible for 20 hours of service per foreign office per year free of charge through our Rep Program. DBED also administers the ExportMD Grant Program, which helps offset the cost of international marketing initiatives, including trade show fees, travel expenses, brochures and website development. The Pathfinder Program provides a presence for your business at international trade shows at a fraction of the cost of exhibiting or attending in person. DBED staff can perform market research on such issues as industry trends, competition, product pricing, and distribution channels.
For more information, click here or contact international@choosemaryland.org.
|
Catching up with DBED staff
This recurring section of Global Pulse features updates on our staff and their efforts to promote Maryland investment and trade around the world.
Scandinavia: In September, Signe Pringle, Regional Manager for Europe and Australia, and Bob Walker, International's Managing Director, arranged and participated in a seminar attended by 30 high-tech Finnish companies in the historic SALT room at the Embassy. As a direct result, seven Finnish companies traveled to Maryland as part of a fact-finding mission to Maryland in December.
 East Asia: In October, Cathleen Hamel, Regional Manager for Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, attended the annual Bio Korea and Bio Japan shows and met with nearly 30 companies. The following month, Cathleen returned to Korea for the opening ceremony of Maryland Center-Korea, the first of several foreign offices that DBED will open on a results-based compensation system.
Russia: Igor Evseev, Regional Manager for Russia/Former Soviet Union and India, and Bob Walker traveled to Russia's Republic of Tatarstan in September to discuss business opportunities in the energy industry with several key Ministries. A delegation is expected to visit Maryland in early 2009 as a result of the trip. In December, Igor and Bob returned to Russia for Zdravookhranenie, the country's largest public health show, where Igor represented four Maryland companies.
 China: Brad Gillenwater, Country Manager for China, attended the annual China International Forum on Investment and Trade in September, an event marketed as the largest FDI-promotion event in the country.
Africa: Patrick Tonui, Regional Manager for Africa and the Middle East, attended Electra Mining Africa and the Africa Aerospace & Defense Conference in South Africa in September, as well as led a call mission to meet with companies in Kenya. Patrick will be meeting with DBED's new South African representative in Maryland March 18 - 20. Contact Patrick if you are a Maryland company interested in doing business in South Africa and meeting with our new representative.
|
|
|
|
