The World Trade Council of Westchester, founded in 1973, is the international trade forum of The Westchester County Association. It provides a forum for networking and business development for those companies and individuals involved in international business.

Through its partnership with the Westchester County Government Office of Economic Development, the World Trade Council pursues its mission which is to promote and foster international trade within Westchester and the lower Hudson Valley. This includes assisting Westchester companies expand their international presence as well as highlighting Westchester County as a venue for international investment and partnerships. The World Trade Council also provides a forum for networking and business development for those companies and individuals involved in international business. The World Trade Council works closely with public sector resources such as the Department of Commerce’s Westchester Export Assistance Center and the International Division of Empire State Development. It also maintains a database of private sector international business resources such as banks, insurance providers, lawyers, transportation specialists, translators and consultants.

The World Trade Council hosts seminars and programs addressing a wide range of timely international business issues. These may focus on a specific country or geographic region or address an international topic such as currency fluctuation or cross-cultural communication. The World Trade Council also partners with other international trade groups in the region and participates in regional international trade programs such as the Averell Harriman International Trade Awards.

The World Trade Council of Westchester is the winner of a number of prestigious international trade awards, including the President’s "E" award, the U.S. Department of Commerce Export Achievement Certificate and the Averell Harriman International Trade Award for Trade Partner of the Year.

The activities and initiatives of the World Trade Council are determined by its Board of Governors, comprised of representatives from member organizations of The Westchester County Association who have a focus on international business. All members of The Westchester County Association receive notification of events hosted by the World Trade Council.

Recent activities include:

• In cooperation with County Office of Economic Development created Global Business website, www.westchestergov.com/globalbusiness
• Outreach with County Executive & Dept. of Commerce for Ireland, China & India markets
• Selected to host regional summit on India with Dept. of Commerce
• Launched international e-newsletter, The Globe
• In conjunction with the County Office of Economic Development, creating a Directory of Westchester companies interested in international partnerships
• Hosted visiting International MBA students for corporate visits
• Host Regional Averell Harriman International Trade Award Dinner- May 2007
• Support Education Committee Study Westchester initiative

LINKS

World Trade Council Board of Governors

International Trade Links

U. S. Dept. of Commerce Export Assistance Center

Westchester County Office of Economic Development – Global Business

Empire State Development International Division

U.S. Small Business Administration

Global Technology Network U.S. Outreach Program

UNA-USAWestchester Chapter

Foreign Trade Statistics