EDPNC Increases Exporting Workshops Online During Pandemic


EDPNC Increases Exporting Workshops Online During Pandemic

September 3, 2020

The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) expects to triple the number of free exporting workshops it typically offers in a year as it emphasizes online education during the time of coronavirus.

“We usually host eight in-person workshops for exporters in different communities across the state in a year, with each drawing 15 to 30 participants,” said John Loyack, vice president of EDPNC global business services.

“But when Covid made face-to-face gatherings risky, we pivoted to webinars. We expect to have hosted 25 to 30 exporting webinars by the end of this year. Many of them have drawn 50 to 100 participants.”

Loyack offered several reasons for the strong interest in the webinars. “Newly launched international trade agreements and the pandemic itself are having a big impact on international trade, so North Carolina manufacturers need the latest information,” he said. “Webinars are also one way to help businesses make global sales a part of their recovery.”

The webinars have covered timely topics such as getting the best out of virtual international trade shows when the pandemic has shut down travel, borders and in-person trade conferences. Several webinars have focused on the new US-Mexico-Canada and US-China Phase 1 trade agreements.

Webinars also cover nuts-and-bolts topics for exporters including export documentation, regulation, tariffs, and financing; country- and industry-specific export opportunities; and preparation for U.S. Customs audits. They also educate North Carolina exporters about resources that can help them meet their exporting goals, including the North Carolina State Ports Authority and the U.S. foreign trade zone program.

Some of the webinars have been recorded and are available for viewing now. Find the links at EDPNC's Website   .