Hawaii Pacific Export Council

Mission statement: The mission of the Hawaii Pacific Export Council (HPEC) is to promote U.S. exports from Hawaii and the American Pacific Islands by supporting the activities of the US Commercial Service and Hawaii Export Assistance Center, counseling businesses on the exporting process, and conducting trade education programs.

Misc Info

Sponsors

Export University 2012

Grow your Global Business with Export University!

Export University has helped Hawaii businesses to expand their international sales.

Export University 101 is a comprehensive training seminar series brought to you by

industry experts that will help you learn the nuts and bolts of exporting while

developing a personalized International Business Plan to grow your

international business successfully.

Export University 201 explores E-commerce for International Sales to help

leverage global business using online tools and social media savvy.

Both programs will help small businesses that are new to exporting as well as those

with a blossoming international business to identify the best markets for your

products or sevices and the steps need to connect with new customers

worldwide.

*BONUS* Participating eligible companies can earn $2,000 for travel to their

target market.

When: Export U 101: May 8, 10, 15, 17 | 1-6pm; and Export U 201 May 18th,

1-4pm

Where: Hawaii Foreign Trade Zone, Downtown Honolulu

(coming to Maui, Kauai & Big Island summer 2012)

Cost: $150/person for Export U 101.

$25/person for Export U 201. (save $15 by registering for both!)

HURRY! SPACE IS LIMITED - Secure your place at the 2012 Export University

Training by registering today!

For the informational flyer, please click here.

Registration forms can be found here.

Questions? Please e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

or call us at (808) 522-8040

U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement Now Effective

The U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement came into full effect on March 15, 2012. On this day, almost 80 percent of U.S. exports to Korea of consumer and industrial products can be imported duty-free. About 95 percent of remaining tariffs will be eliminated within 5 years after that date, and most remaining tariffs will be eliminated within 10 years. This free trade agreement will reel in about $12 billion annually in new bilateral trade and create 240,000 new U.S. jobs.

The FTA Tariff Tool, a web-based resource created by the International Trade Administration, is the perfect way to find out if your product will benefit under this agreement. The database conveniently links to the most recent U.S. tariff schedule and relevant rules of origin, helping you figure out the exact tariff benefit for your product and the rate at which the tariff is eliminated.

In addition, nearly two-thirds of all U.S. agricultural exports to Korea will become duty-free on this day. Secondly, commitments to strengthen protections on intellectual property rights benefiting American creators and innovators will also come into force. Finally, commitments opening Korea's $580 billlion services market will also come into effect March 15 as well.

For more information, please visit:

Overview

FTA Home

U.S. Agricultural Trade Office, Korea

U.S. Korea Connect

FTA Tariff Tool

Text of Complete Agreement

Building The Bridge to Asia: TV Interview

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Export Grant Funds Seminar

The Hawaii Pacific Export Council (HPEC) has secured new funding to help you grow your business in 2012! This year, we are offering advanced export training courses in addition to funds that will help offset your travel expenses to target export markets!
We conducted a seminar on February 10, 2012 on programs available to local companies (Export U, STEP Grant). The seminar went from 1-4pm and was held at the Hawaii FTZ Main Conference Room.

Neighbor Island businesses were welcomed to participate via a recorded version of the
webinar and one-to-one counseling sessions by phone.

All attendees were invited to meet one-on-one with HPEC consultants to review International Business Plans, receive assistance in filling out documents required to verify your company’s eligibility to receive funding, and get answers to their company’s specific questions regarding this exciting program.