Gateway to International Trade Conference Focused on Global Business Opportunities
5/14/2010
J.H. Cohn LLP, one of the top 15 accounting and consulting firms in the United States, and Citibank’s Commercial Banking Group, a leading provider of commercial loans to small- and medium-sized businesses, in affiliation with Nexia International, the world’s tenth largest global provider of accounting, tax, and business advisory services, presented the Gateway to International Trade conference on May 12, 2010 at the New York Marriott Marquis. More than 450 people, including business owners and executives, attended the conference.
The international trade conference afforded U.S.-based businesses with plans to expand internationally, as well as foreign-based enterprises importing goods or services into the U.S., the opportunity to speak with international business experts from J.H. Cohn, its associates from Nexia member firms, and Citibank Commercial Bankers, as well as foreign trade consultants, about global expansion and the unique aspects of doing business in each country.
Attendees of the half-day conference had the opportunity to attend their choice of three breakout sessions focusing on trade opportunities and business practices in specific countries and regions, including Brazil, Canada, Greater China and other Asia-Pacific countries, Eastern Europe, France, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, Russia, Spain, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. Professionals from top U.S. trading partners and emerging markets around the globe gave briefings on trade and banking in their country as well as presentations on specialized international trade topics, such as IFRS; U.S. Tax Structures for Outbound Investments; Structuring International Trade Transactions to Minimize Duties and Penalties; and an International Banking Solutions Showcase by Citibank.
“This is an unprecedented time for global business, and as international business and accounting standards continue to shift, it is paramount that corporate executives stay abreast of how they will be impacted and the opportunities that exist in a global economy,” said Roy W. Hoffman, CPA, J.H. Cohn partner and the Firm’s Nexia International liaison. “Attendees expressed that this event was an exceptional opportunity to network and share information with others involved in international trade.”
Seth Pinsky, president of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), presented at the general session about New York City’s role in the nation’s international trade programs.
John Ahern, Global Head of Trade within Citi's Global Transaction Services business, presented on trends in global trade, the value of trade finance for internationally focused businesses, and Citi's leadership in these areas.
Gateway to International Trade was supported by the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with World Trade Week NYC, as well as by the chambers of commerce of many of the countries represented at the event. The conference serves as an unofficial kick-off to Manhattan’s World Trade Week, which began Monday, May 17, 2010 and for which Hoffman served as chairman for the fifth time.