Los Angeles hosts largest corporate trade finance gathering on the West Coast

GTR, held the annual West Coast Trade & Export Finance Conference in Los Angeles for 2014, at the Omni Los Angeles on October 16.

The one-day conference attracted over 100 high-level business leaders and provided extensive networking opportunities for the trade finance community. With a region responsible for over $400 billion worth of trade and a state that contributes 11% of total US exports, the event was a key meeting point for the producers, importers and exporters of one of the most dynamic trade centers in the world.

Delegates were able to hear first-hand experiences of export, financing and operational issues from the following corporate organisations: FirmGreen, One Diamond Electronics, Louroe Electronics, Westside Trading, Vinculum Communications, America Chung Nam, QLogic Corporation, Agri Beef and Worldwide Commodities. These experiences were delivered through specific case studies, interactive round tables and live Q&A sessions.

Given the reach of West Coast trade, the conference focused on the practical experiences of exporters that have successfully entered new markets, including Asia, Europe and Latin America. “The GTR conference in Los Angeles conveys the practical message that the proper financing of international transactions is key,” explains Carlos Valderrama, the Senior Vice-President of Global Initiatives at the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. “Without appropriate financing tools, it will be difficult to construct viable marketing strategies, standardized distribution agreements, and achieve the desired ROI.”

With so many high-level delegates in attendance, networking was a key feature. With a dedicated networking lunch, an evening drinks reception and networking breaks throughout the day, there was ample opportunity for anyone serious about doing business on the West Coast to create new business contacts and build relationships with the market’s main players.

“The West Coast economy has grown steadily due to the diversity of its production and export markets,” said the producer of the conference, Paul Greetham. “This conference sought to bring together the people that make a difference in the market to discuss new strategies, address industry concerns and to create an unrivalled peer-to-peer networking platform.”