SBDC Director Shares Logistics Insights at China Forum

Nov. 5, 2012 - PRLog -- Ray Bowman, director of the Small Business Development Center of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, was among a select group of presenters  from American private- and public-sector organizations at the 2012 Yangtze Mississippi Rivers Forum recently held in Wuhan, Hubei, China. The purpose of the event, sponsored by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics and the China Communications and Transportation Association, was to discuss best practices in logistics and sustainability.

Bowman’s presentation focused on logistics and the importance of international trade and logistics workforce training to the approximately 300 attendees from throughout China and the U.S. Following the forum. Bowman traveled to Beijing to meet with officials and university personnel about the logistics of international trade from an American business perspective.

“I was honored to be invited to participate in such an important conference that will impact both counties’ economic health. The more we can open dialogue and share best practices, the better our international trade relations will be,” said Bowman. “I learned a great deal that I will share with our SBDC clients who are interested in accessing trade opportunities with China.”

Topics related to shipping, logistics and regional economic issues along the Yangtze and Mississippi rivers were also covered. Attendees further explored strengthening  communication and cooperation between the two countries’ shipping and logistics industries on the two rivers.

Officials from Chinese state level ministries were at the event, including the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Transport,  Ministry of  Commerce, Ministry of Environmental Protection, senior Chongqing municipal government officials, local government officials representing cities along the Yangtze, major port operators, logistics service providers, research institutions, manufacturers and shippers.

Additional forum co-sponsors include the Wuhan Municipal Government, Yangtze River Administration of Navigational Affairs of Ministry of Transport PRC.

EDC-VC is a private, nonprofit organization that serves as a business-to-government liaison to assist businesses in Ventura County by offering programs that enhance the economic vitality of the region. For more information about the Small Business Development Center and loan, manufacturing outreach and international trade programs, contact Bruce Stenslie at 805-384-1800 ext. 24, or bruce.stenslie@edc-vc.com. Or visit www.edc-vc.com.