EVENT: Apr. 15, Wed. - “Growing Your Business in a Tough Economy - Latin American Perspective,” 5:30pm, Cambridge
The New England-Latin America Business Council presents this panel featuring Professor Kevin Mulvaney of Babson College; Chris Lagana, International Controller & Latin America Manager, New Balance; Ruben Avila, Global Section Head, Blades & Razor Emerging Market, Procter & Gamble; and Javier Marin, Principal at Hispanic News Press and Professor at Tufts. Location is Harvard University Center for Government & International Studies, Room XS020, 1730 Cambridge St., Cambridge. Cost is $20 NELABC members, $40 non-members. For further information & to register, call 781-330-9345 or email info@nelabc.org.

Visit www.nelabc.org.

EVENT: Apr. 16, Thurs. - WorldBoston & British Consulate General Breakfast, 8am, Cambridge
Join Anthony Smallwood, Spokesman & Head of Press & Public Diplomacy Section, Delegation of the European Commission, Wash DC, for a wide-ranging conversation about the outcomes of Pres. Obama’s first official visit to Europe, the G-2 Summit in London, and the prospects for NATO and free trade. Cost is $15 for WorldBoston members, $25 non-members. RSVP to 617-542-8995 x101 or wb@worldboston.org.

Visit www.worldboston.org

CONFERENCE: April 16, Thurs. - “US-Canada Technology Business Forum,” 11am-5pm, Boston
The New England Canada Business Council presents its 10th annual business forum, where US and Canadian technology companies gather with business, financial and economic development entities to explore opportunities for cross-border business expansion. Location is Colonnade Hotel, Boston. Cost is $150 for NECBC members and partner organizations, $190 non-members. Call 781-801-4310 or email ellenrota@aol.com.

Visit www.necbc.org

EVENT: April 16, Thurs. - “Global Economic Implications of China’s Sex Ratio Imbalance,” 5:30pm, Boston
Suffolk University’s Rosenberg Institute for East Asian Studies presents this lecture by Shang-Jin Wei, the NT Wang Professor of Chinese Business & Economy at Columbia University. He is the author of several books, including China’s Evolving Role in the World Trade. Location is Suffolk University, Sargent 295, 120 Tremont St., Boston. To RSVP, call 617-305-6316 or casnews@suffolk.edu.

EVENT: Apr. 17, Fri. - UN Assn. of Greater Boston Consuls Ball, 6:30pm, Boston
Join the UN Assn. at this annual festive event celebrating the Consular Corps of Boston, representing more than 50 countries. This evening also raises funds for underserved youth in the Boston schools. Speakers include Master of Ceremonies RD Sahl of NECN, Live Auction Director Upton Bell of WCRN, and Senator John Kerry, Chairman of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations & Recipient of the UN Assn. Leadership Award. Location is Fairmont Copley Plaza. To register, contact info@unagb.org or call 617-482-4587.

Visit www.unagb.org

EVENT: Apr. 21, Tues. - “China Intellectual Property Roundtable," 8am, Boston
The Greater China Business Council of New England presents Lisa Rigoli, Trade Compliance Attache for the International Trade Administration at the US Embassy in Beijing, who will provide Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) guidance for firms doing business in China. She will also speak about federal government efforts to improve China’s recognition and enforcement of IPR and will outline assistance available for firms that have been negatively impacted by IP infringement in China. Location: K&L Gates, State St. Financial Center, One Lincoln St., Boston. Cost is $20 GCBCNE members, $40 non-members. To RSVP, call 617-692-0165 or
email info@gcbc-ne.org.

Visit www.gcbc-ne.org

OPEN HOUSE: Apr. 28, Tues. - “Export Open House,” 8:30am, Worcester
The Mass. Export Center and Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce present this opportunity to meet federal and state govt. representatives and learn about programs available to help companies with their international business efforts. Location is Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, 446 Main St., Worcester. No charge to attend, but pre-registration is required. Call 508-929-8844 or visit the website below to register and for more info.

Visit www.mass.gov/export

SEMINAR: Apr. 29, Wed. - “Essentials of Importing,” 8:30am, Holyoke
The Mass. Export Center presents this seminar covering the operational, logistical and financial aspects of importing. More Mass. companies are importing as they bring in components from other parts of the world. Global sourcing, product classification, and import financing will be included in this seminar. Location is Holyoke Community College, Kittredge Cente, 300 Homestead Ave. Cost is $95 including breakfast, lunch and materials. Call 617-973-8664 to register.

Visit www.mass.gov/export

Visit www.mass.gov/export

CONFERENCE: May 1, Fri. - “International Environmental Compliance: RoHS, WEEE, Batteries, REACH, EuP, Design for Environment,” 7:30am-3:45pm, Andover
Tech America (formerly AeA)’s Annual conference offers the opportunity to learn about the latest developments in global environmental compliance. Speakers include representatives from the U.K. and Mass. based firms. Conference venue is Philips Electronics North America, Andover. To register or if you have questions, call 781-938-1925 x105 or contact anne.doherty.johnson@techamerica.org.

Visit http://www.aeanet.org/Events/neaj_EnviroComplianceConference2009.asp#Speakers

SEMINAR: May 7, Thurs. - "NAFTA/CAFTA--Preferential Duty Savings Programs," 9am, Middleboro
Eastern Bank, Middleton & Shrull, and Exim Associates present this full-day workshop on how importers can take advantage of opportunities to save money using Preferential Duty Programs including NAFTA, CAFTA, US-Singapore FTA, and other programs focused on the Caribbean and Africa. Learn how to determine if your product is eligible. This seminar will also prepare companies for shipping into Mexico and Canada under NAFTA rules. Seminar location is Eastern Bank, Middleboro, and cost is $125. For further info, call 781-272-7966 or email middleton@middleton-shrull.com

Visit www.middleton-shrull.com.

TRADE MISSION to SAUDI ARABIA, May 29-June 2
The US-Saudi Arabian Business Council and the Eastern Trade Council are organizing this business development mission to Riyadh and Dammam, for US companies to experience first hand the substantial opportunities that exist within the Saudi market. For further info on fees and registration, contact Maureen Mezei, mmezei@riedc.com or 401-278-9136.

Visit www.us-sabc.org

TRADE MISSION to PERU & CHILE, June 1-5
The US Department of Commerce invites US companies seeking to launch or expand their business in Latin America to join this trade mission. Walter Bastian, Deputy Asst. Secy for the Western Hemisphere, will lead the mission to Santiago, Chile and Lima, Peru. For further information, contact Bill Davis of US Dept. of Commerce, Trade Americas Team, at 617-565-4308 or William.davis@mail.doc.gov.

http://www.buyusa.gov/tradeamericas/chile_peru_mission.html

TRADE MISSION to CHINA, July 12-21
MeetChinaBiz is organizing its 14th business development trip to China, with destinations including Shanghai, Changsha, Chengdu, and Beijing. Learn about sourcing opportunities and selling into China, through matchmaking fairs in China. For further details, contat 617-606-3360 or info@meetchinabiz.org.

Visit www.meetchinabiz.org

TRADE MISSION to CHINA, Oct. 11-19
The New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce is coordinating this business and community leaders trip at a very low cost of $1999. Destinations include Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou. For further info, contact the Chamber at 508-999-5231 or events@newbedfordchamber.com.

Visit www.newbedfordchamber.com/china.htm

Your notices of events and suggestions for topics are always welcome.

Massachusetts Alliance for International Business (MAIB) is grateful to the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP) for their financial support.

Visit the MassMEP