Business Luncheon Featuring H.E. Pham Quang Vinh, Vietnam's Ambassador to the USA
2016-04-28 11:30 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | TX
In collaboration with the LBJ Presidential Library and the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, World Affairs Council of Austin members join key Austin business and community leaders at a private luncheon with the Ambassador of Vietnam to the USA. The main objective of this luncheon is to promote a comprehensive US-Vietnam partnership, of which key components are economic development, trade, and relationship-building with Texas-based companies across all business sectors.
Since the establishment of the US- Vietnam bilateral trade agreement in 2001, trade between the two countries has grown dramatically. The United States and Vietnam have concluded a trade and investment framework agreement’ they also have signed textile, air transport, and maritime agreements. The two countries, along with other Asia-Pacific nations, are part of the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations, with the goal of concluding a high-standard regional free trade agreement.
This exclusive event is hosted by the Austin Chamber of Commerce, the LBJ Presidential Library and the University of Texas at Austin as a special program of the Vietnam War Summit.

For more information, contact: bramirez (at) wacaustin (dot) org

Southeast Asia and Trans-Pacific Partnership Briefing
2016-05-02 13:00 - 14:30 | Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Road, Austin, 78754, United States
In collaboration with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce, the World Affairs Council of Austin is pleased to host a visit by Margaret Hanson-Muse, the Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs for ASEAN. Ms. Hanson-Muse will discuss doing business in the ten Southeast Asian countries. Ms. Hanson-Muse will cover profiles of the ten nations and discuss the top markets and best prospects for U.S. firms. Learn how to successfully enter or grow your presence in these markets and discover how the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement can improve market access for you.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is an alliance of ten countries with rich business environments: Brunei, Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. These countries have 630 million social media savvy consumers. ASEAN welcomes U.S. companies and provides a wide range of opportunities plus the chance to tap the rapidly developing digital economy.
A limited number of one-on-one meetings with Ms. Hanson-Muse is available to seminar participants. Once you register for the seminar, you may request a private meeting before the presentation by contacting Karen Parker

Global Business Series: Immigration’s Impact on Austin Businesses & Startups
2016-05-06 11:30 - 13:00 | ACC Highland Learning Center Room 2217 (Second Floor), 6101 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX, 78752, United States
As Austin businesses and startups continue to become increasingly global, the practical necessity of needing to hire and transfer highly-skilled professionals from foreign countries to Austin is becoming extremely important. Join Immigration Attorney, Jason Finkelman for a lively and informative discussion on the impact of immigration on Austin businesses and our growing startup scene. Jason will explore how businesses are managing employment-immigration challenges, what changes may be on the horizon for U.S. immigration reform, and what lies ahead for international businesses and startups seeking to expand to Austin.
This is a brown bag lunch and learn series. PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR LUNCH.
Jason Finkelman is an Immigration Attorney working at the forefront of immigration law to assist international individuals with obtaining work visas, lawful permanent residence (“green cards”), and U.S. citizenship. He handles a variety of employment-based and family-based immigration matters for both U.S. and foreign companies, investors, startups, entrepreneurs, skilled workers, executives, families and students. Jason provides cutting-edge immigration legal services to clients across a wide-range of industries including high-tech, semiconductor, healthcare, higher education, energy, oil and gas, import/export, research, video game, as well as professional athletics, music, and entertainment to help them meet their immigration goals. Please visit www.finkelmanlaw.com for more information on his services.

Fifth Annual Texas-EU Business Summit
2016-05-10 07:30 - 16:30 | Hilton Hotel, 500 E. 4th Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Helping Texas Businesses Access The World’s Largest Economic Zone
In its 5th year, the Texas-EU Business Summit is the premier event for Texas businesses, entrepreneurs and economic development professionals seeking to expand their footprint in Europe.
Texas is already the largest exporting state to the EU. The summit builds on that footprint, focusing on promoting the international trade capacity of Texas businesses and economic development organizations while creating greater awareness regarding the benefits of exporting.
The Texas-EU Business Summit sessions are led by business leaders, trade and investment officials from EU countries, trade policy experts and political officials.
Event sponsors include:
The Barbo Osher Pro Suecia Foundation Endowment,
The European Union Delegation to the USA, and
The Center for European Studies, the University of Texas at Austin,
The Kozmetsky Center at St. Edwards University,
The International Business Institute at Austin Community College,
The World Affairs Councils of America.

Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry Briefing
2016-05-18 17:30 - 19:30 | Four Seasons Hotel, 98 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Mr. Muhammad Ibrahim Kasumbi, former Senior Vice President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry, is leading a 10 member delegation of Pakistani Businessmen, who are visiting United States of America to meet with the government officials and key trade associations and business organizations to discuss opportunities and challenges in increasing the bilateral trade and investment relationship.
With a population over 20 million, Karachi is the principal urban center and the main industrial, financial and commercial center of Pakistan. The KCCI delegation’s objective is to strengthen U.S.-Pakistan trade and investment relations and promote Karachi as a profitable business destination.
The KCCI delegates will join us to discuss recent developments in Pakistan’s economy and key issues in the bilateral trade and investment relationship. The briefing will explore how companies can participate in Pakistan’s accelerating growth and will survey opportunities for American companies in Karachi.
RSVP to: bramirez (at) wacaustin (dot) com

Partner organizations:
City of Austin, Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce, GlobalAustin, CyberTex Institute of Technology

Trade Mission to Asia with Austin Mayor Steve Adler
2016-06-03 | TX
Mayor Steve Adler is leading a delegation to Asia to explore trade and business opportunities in South Korea, China, Singapore, and Taiwan.
The mayor will be meeting with government officials, business leaders and touring sites to learn about best practices and innovative solutions to affordability and mobility and other issues that can be applied to solve problems in our city.
There is space for a small delegation of business representatives to join this delegation for all or parts of the trip. Representatives of the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Austin’s Economic Development Department will facilitate one on one business meetings or site visits for a curated itinerary for selected businesses. Specific areas of focus are: technology generally, life sciences/medtech, and entrepreneurship.
Seoul July 5 – 9
Shanghai July 9 – 13
Singapore July 13- 17
Taichung July 17 – 19
Please click here for detailed flyer. If you are interested in participating in this delegation and are able to commit to at least two cities on the itinerary, please complete this online application prior to June 3rd.

Global Business Series: Discussion with Larry Tabash
2016-06-03 11:30 - 13:00 | ACC Highland Learning Center Room 2217 (Second Floor), 6101 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX, 78752, United States
Larry Tabash is a Senior International Trade Specialist and Middle East expert for the U.S. Department of Commerce/U.S. Commercial Service in Austin, TX. He has held positions overseas with both the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of State as a Senior Business Advisor in Iraq working on infrastructure development and capacity building. He has traveled throughout the Middle East and Europe and worked extensively in those markets assisting companies in finding suitable American partners. He has led trade missions to Asia and the Middle East. A native of Washington, DC.
Mr. Tabash’s personal and career pursuits have taken him to over 40 countries in the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Prior to joining the U.S. Department of Commerce in 1998, he worked as a Senior Project Manager for Visa Interactive which later became Integrion Financial Network, a start-up electronic bill payment company in Reston, Virginia and for Riggs National Bank as a Senior Sales & Service Representative and Loan Officer. Larry also worked as a Program Officer for AMIDEAST Inc., where he administered USAID and privately-funded training programs and worked on business development for the organization. He has more than 20 years of experience in international trade, business, and banking.
Larry earned both his bachelor’s degree in International Studies and his master’s degree in International Commerce and Policy from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.

Nuevo León IT Sector Business Luncheon Briefing
2016-06-15 12:30 - 14:00 | Capital Factory, 701 Brazos Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
This briefing and luncheon networking event will present specific business opportunities within Nuevo León’s mature IT sector. Monterrey, the capital city of Nuevo León state holds 4% of Mexico’s total population, yet it generates 9% of Mexico’s total GDP. Attend this seminar to discover why nearly 1,600 U.S. companies are conducting business in Monterrey.
RSVP before June 12th to: bramirez at wacaustin dot org

Immigrant Heritage Month Press Conference & Reception
2016-06-28 15:00 - 17:00 | Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
In collaboration with the City of Austin’s Commission on Immigrant Affairs, and FWD.US, join us at this event as we celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month. Please be sure to register via the link below.

Zika Outbreak: The NGO Perspective
2016-07-11 18:00 - 19:30 | WeWork, 600 Congress Avenue 15th Floor, Austin, 78701, United States
Join us for an exclusive briefing by Kate Dischino, Director of Emergency Programs with AmeriCares.
AmeriCares is a health-focused nonprofit that has been helping people affected by poverty or disaster for over 35 years, including survivors of Ebola, cholera and other epidemics. Kate Dischino, director of emergency programs at AmeriCares, is on the front lines of disease outbreaks and natural disasters, often deploying to crisis zones on a moment’s notice to lead field teams, coordinate aid deliveries and implement emergency programs that save lives. Kate will discuss the origin of Zika and the current state of the crisis, what is being done to reduce the impact of the virus and how AmeriCares is confronting the outbreak in Latin America.
As director of emergency programs, Kate oversees AmeriCares responses to domestic and international emergencies. She is often deployed to disaster zones on a moment’s notice to lead field teams, coordinate aid deliveries and implement emergency programs that meet survivors’ health needs.
Since joining AmeriCares in 2012, Kate has been on the frontlines of dozens of emergencies including Hurricane Sandy (2012), the 2013 Oklahoma tornadoes, Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines (2013) and the Nepal earthquake (2015). A certified emergency manager, she plays a pivotal role in the design of AmeriCares emergency programs including a psychosocial workshop for frontline health workers responding to emergencies and a training program for pediatricians treating children affected by disasters. In 2015, Kate oversaw the creation of AmeriCares first disaster preparedness guide for free and charitable clinics to help ensure safety net health facilities can continue operating during emergencies.
Kate’s disaster response work with AmeriCares has taken her to Fiji, Mexico, Nepal, the Philippines, Saipan, Vanuatu, and all across the United States.
A leader in the emergency response field, Kate currently serves on the Board of Directors of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters where she is a member of the Executive Committee and chairman of the Disaster Health Committee. She also participated in the development of the 2014 National Health Security Preparedness Index as a subject matter expert.
Prior to joining AmeriCares, Kate served as the associate director of Save the Children’s Domestic Emergencies Unit where she built partnerships and strengthened the emergency management program. She earned a master’s degree in international administration from the University of Denver and a bachelor’s degree in international studies and Spanish from Muhlenberg College.

Networking Reception with Austrian Startups
2016-07-14 18:00 - 19:30 | Capital Factory, 701 Brazos Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
In collaboration with the Office of Science and Technology Austria (OSTA) and 3 Day Startup, join us as we celebrate Austrian entrepreneurship at the #AustriaIs networking reception, hosted by OSTA Washington in honor of the 3 Day Startup Austria to Austin Student Startup Exchange. Austria to Austin is a intense, high energy two-week exchange where eighteen standout Austrian university students will start early stage companies and become innovation bridges between the U.S. and Austria.
Hear from industry experts and young internationally minded Austrian entrepreneurs alike, as they elaborate on their early stage companies, and learn more about their plans to become innovation bridges between the U.S. and Austria!
Delicious Austrian food, drink and conversation awaits you! Join us at #AustriaIs!

Young African Entrepreneurs Fast Pitch Competition
2016-07-15 08:30 - 12:30 | Capital Factory, 701 Brazos Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
In collaboration with the International Office at The University of Texas at Austin, you are invited to the 3rd Annual Mandela Washington Fellowship – Pitch Competition!
The 25 Fellows participating in UT Austin’s Business and Entrepreneurship Institute will each present a 3-minute pitch.
The young African entrepreneurs’ pitches will be reviewed by the following judges:

Fred Schmidt, Director – International, Capital Factory
Michele Skelding, Senior Vice President Global Tech & Innovation, Austin Chamber of Commerce
Preston James, Chairman/Co-Founder, E3 Angel Network

Global Business Series: Malaysia Trade Briefing
2016-08-18 11:45 - 13:00 | TX
The World Affairs Council of Austin’s International Trade Center is pleased to offer the Global Business Series: Trade Briefing on Malaysia featuring Mr. Shams Rusli, Director of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority in Houston. Director Rusli will discuss:

Malaysia’s current economic performance.
FDI performance in Malaysia by country.
FDI performance by industry.
Opportunities in Malaysia’s manufacturing sector — promoted and targeted industries within Malaysia.
Selected industry ecosystems, i.e aerospace, oil & gas.
Opportunities in Malaysia’s services sector.
Business policy and incentives.
Advantages of regional trade agreements: FTAs and TPP.

Shams Rusli, Director of MIDA Houston, commenced working for the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA) as an Economic Executive in 2002. He served as Deputy Director of MIDA in Los Angeles from 2007 to 2010. Subsequently, he became the Deputy Director of the Foreign Investment Coordination Division, responsible for Malaysian Investment Promotion Strategies and Programmes globally and domestically, overseeing MIDA US and Asian offices.
Shams graduated from the University Utara Malaysia with a Bachelor of Accountancy (B.A. Honours) in 1997. He is a certified public accountant and a registered member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants.
The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) is the government’s principal agency for the promotion of the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. MIDA assists companies intending to invest in the manufacturing and services sectors, as well as facilitates the implementation of their projects. The wide range of services provided by MIDA includes providing information on the opportunities for investments, as well as facilitating companies which are looking for joint venture partners.
Targeted industries:

Advanced electronics
Specialty chemicals
MRO
Pharmaceutical
Machinery & equipment

In partnership with:

Ambassador Charles Rivkin on the Trans-Pacific Partnership: Opening the World's Most Dynamic Region to U.S. Business
2016-09-13 11:30 - 13:30 | BBVA Bank, 1703 W. 5th, Ste. 500, Austin, TX, 78703, United States
Please join the World Affairs Council of Austin and the U.S. Department of Commerce for a White House Business Council briefing on international trade with Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs Ambassador Charles H. Rivkin. This will be an opportunity for you to ask questions and provide advice about international trade policies and how they affect your business.
Charles H. Rivkin began serving as Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs on February 13, 2014, and was sworn in publicly by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on April 15, 2014. Rivkin leads the U.S. State Department bureau responsible for managing trade negotiations, investment treaties, business and commercial affairs, economic sanctions, transportation affairs, telecommunications policy, international finance and development related issues, as well as intellectual property rights protection. In addition, Rivkin provides guidance to the Department’s 1,600 economic officers around the world and to the U.S. Mission to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Prior to his appointment, Rivkin served for more than four years as the U.S. Ambassador to France and Monaco, leading America’s oldest and one of its largest diplomatic missions, which contains six constituent posts throughout France and represents over 50 U.S. government agencies. Rivkin’s confirmation marks the first time a U.S. ambassador and former CEO has ever led the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs.
Prior to his government service, Ambassador Rivkin worked in the media sector for over 20 years where he served as President and CEO of award-winning entertainment companies such as The Jim Henson Company and Wildbrain. Rivkin helped engineer the sale of The Jim Henson Company in 2000 for nearly $1 billion, and in 2009, he was named one of the 100 Most Creative People in Business by Fast Company.
Ambassador Rivkin received his bachelor’s degree from Yale University in 1984, graduating with distinction in political science and international relations. He received his M.B.A. from Harvard University in 1988. He was personally awarded the Légion d’honneur with the rank of Commander by French President François Hollande (2013), and received the city of Paris’ highest honor – la Grande Médaille de Vermeil de la Ville de Paris – from Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo (2015).
Event Partners:

Global Business Series: Macedonia Trade Briefing
2016-09-15 11:45 - 13:00 | TX
The World Affairs Council of Austin’s International Trade Center is pleased to offer the Global Business Series: Trade Briefing on Macedonia featuring Ms. Zorica Ilin, Head of Texas Foreign Office of the Agency for Foreign Investment and Export Promotion of the Republic of Macedonia.
Since its independence in 1991, Macedonia has made progress in liberalizing its economy and improving its business environment. Macedonia’s economy is closely linked to Europe as a customer for exports and source of investment. The Republic has maintained macroeconomic stability throughout the global financial crisis. Current monetary policy has kept the domestic currency pegged to the euro.
A dozen reasons to invest in Macedonia:
FREE MARKET ACCESS
Duty-free access to a market of over 650 million customers through three multilateral (SAA, EFTA and CEFTA) and two bilateral (Turkey and Ukraine) Free Trade Agreements
LOW TAXES
Flat corporate and personal income tax rates at 10%; 0% tax on retained earnings
LOW OPERATIONAL COSTS
One of the most cost-competitive locations in Europe
EXCELLENT GEO-STRATEGIC POSITION
Goods delivered within a day to Central and Eastern Europe and Turkey, and maximum two days to Western Europe
FAST COMPANY REGISTRATION
One-stop-shop system for company registration within 4 hours
EXCELLENT INFRASTRUCTURE
Wireless national backbone infrastructure, digital telecommunications system, extensive highway network, two
international airports with regular connections to main European transportation centers
RESPONSIVE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
Universities willing to collaborate with incoming investors in meeting the required skills
EXCELLENT FOREIGN LANGUAGE SKILLS
English widely spoken, French and German embedded in the education system, regional languages in wide use
AVAILABLE SKILLED WORKFORCE
A young (42% under the age of 30) and educated workforce with a strong work ethic and excellent industrial relations record
HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE
Highly attractive living and working conditions
POLITICAL, MONETARY AND MACROECONOMIC STABILITY
EU AND NATO CANDIDATE COUNTRY

Program partners include:

Iran - Post Sanctions
2016-10-12 17:30 - 19:00 | ACC Highland Business Center Board Room, ACC Highland Business Center, 2nd Floor Board Room, 5930 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX, 78752, United States
With a population of 80 million, a diverse economy and an incredible demand for all things new and luxurious Iran has been described as the next “big thing”. However, a year after reaching a deal to end some of the internationally imposed sanctions challenges prove as formidable as opportunities. This is particularly true in the aviation sector where Iran tried to acquire close to 300 new airplanes placing orders with Boeing and Airbus.
Be sure to register to learn more from Ali Dadpay, PhD, Advisory Board Member of the United States-Iran Chamber of Commerce (USIRCC). USIRCC utilizes its strategic position to advance American and Iranian business interests within legal and regulatory parameters.

International Business Coalition Meeting
2016-10-13 11:30 - 13:00 | ACC Highland Business Center 2nd Floor Boardroom, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin, TX, 78752, United States
The Central Texas International Business Coalition program will include great speakers and global trade updates. Our featured speaker this month includes:

Darren Hutchinson, Vice President, Corporate Sales at World First.

Arun M. Kumar, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets and Director General of the US and Foreign Commercial Services, leads the trade and investment promotion efforts for the US Government. He also serves as the International Trade Administration’s lead official advocating better market access for US exporters. Kumar has extensive global experience in the business world. Prior to his nomination by President Obama, he was a partner and member of the Board of Directors at KPMG, LLP. He led the firm’s West Coast Management Consulting practice serving major global clients while creating thought leadership to advance business practices in finance management. He also founded and led KPMG’s US-India Practice. Previously, Kumar was a founding CEO and CFO of three Silicon Valley technology ventures.
World First is one of the world’s leading international payment companies, helping over 100,000 clients save money on their international exchange. Whether importing or exporting, paying salaries overseas or making supplier payments, exchange rates are critical and can impact your company’s bottom line. World First will offer insights regarding ways to protect your company earnings against economic factors such as Brexit by utilizing their FX solution tailored specifically for the needs of your business.

The International Business Coalition (IBC) strives to develop international business in central Texas, focusing its efforts on:

Attracting foreign direct investment;
Encouraging international business relocation to central Texas; and
Promoting international trade among central Texas businesses.

United Kingdom MedTech Briefing
2016-10-20 15:00 - 18:30 | TX
More Grand Prix cars are made in Britain than any other country. The UK’s world-leading technology and advanced engineering results in high performance on the track as well as innovation across diverse industries.
Experts from some of the UK’s most innovative companies and the Dell Medical School will explore how measuring human health can be expanded to affect systemic health challenges, discuss existing technologies and critical gaps, and unique opportunities for innovation.
Confirmed speakers include:
• Duncan Bradley, Design Director, McLaren Applied Technologies
• Stacey Chang, Executive Director, Design Institute for Health, Dell Medical School
• Adam Hill, MD, Chief Medical Officer, McLaren Applied Technologies
• Clay Johnston, MD, PhD, Dean, Dell Medical School
• Philip Kennedy, Chairman, Association of British Healthcare Industries
• William Tierney, MD, Chair of Population Health, Dell Medical School
• Nick van Terheyden, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Dell Computers

Thursday 20 October 2016

3:00 – 5:00pm Panel Discussion
5:00 – 6:30pm Reception

Global Business Series: Successfully Entering Japan's IoT Market
2016-10-25 08:00 - 10:00 | Headliner’s Club, 221 W. Sixth Street,, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Is your company ready to reap the benefits of expanding into the world’s second largest technology market? Please join us as we welcome Mr. Eisuke Tsuyuzaki, JETRO Japan Technology Advisor (Former CTO & VP, Corporate Development at Panasonic North America) for an interactive discussion of Japan’s IoT industry.
Receive an overview of current market trends and learn which industry sectors have the greatest growth opportunities for U.S. companies.
Presentation topic areas include:

Cloud/Analytics, Device/Network, Smart City
Case studies of U.S. companies that have successfully entered the Japanese IoT market
Resources available both here and in Japan to make seamless market entry

Agenda for October 25, 2016
8:00 AM Registration & Networking Breakfast
8:30 AM IoT Seminar
10:00 AM One-on-one consultations (contact keith_sanders at jetro.go.jp to schedule your meeting)
Seating is limited. Advance registration requested. Registration deadline October 18, 2016

TX-LATAM Business Summit
2016-11-03 09:00 - 13:00 | Google Fiber Space, 201 Colorado Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Texas – Latin America Business Summit Helps Texas Companies Access Nearshore Expanding Markets

The World Affairs Council of Austin will present the Texas-Latin America Business Summit on November 3, 2016 from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm at the Google Fiber Space, 201 Colorado Street. RSVP here. The Summit brings trade promotion experts and business decision-makers together for panels and meetings. The event is a unique face-to-face opportunity for Austin corporate representatives to make connections and learn about current inbound and outbound business opportunities with Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, and other nations.
Highlights of the 2016 Summit will include a LATAM market overview by Gary Hoover, Founder of Hoover’s Online and first Entrepreneur-in-Residence of the Herb Kelleher Center for Entrepreneurship at the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin.
Over the last decade, the region experienced a deep economic and social transformation, which lifted millions out of poverty and swelled the ranks of the middle class. Latin America’s economy is expected to rebound during 2017 and expand 2.0% against a backdrop of stronger global growth. Attend the Summit and learn how your company may benefit from this growth.

Global Business Series: Ireland Trade Briefing
2016-11-10 11:45 - 13:00 | TX
The World Affairs Council of Austin’s International Trade Center is pleased to offer the Global Business Series: Trade Briefing on Ireland featuring Consul General Adrian Farrell. RSVP here. Consul General Farrell will provide an overview of the Celtic Tiger’s impressive economy and opportunities for central Texas businesses. Ireland’s low corporation tax of 12.5% and a talented pool of high-tech laborers have been key factors in encouraging business investment.

Program partners include:

Doing Business Successfully with Latin America
2016-11-17 09:30 - 12:30 | International Accelerator, 8121 Bee Cave Road Suite 150, Austin, TX, 78746, United States
Are you seeking to expand your business in Latin America?
This 1/2 day hands-on Cultural Confidence workshop will help ensure your success by developing the awareness, knowledge and skills necessary to work and communicate effectively with Latin American counterparts and clients.
In order to maximize the outcomes of the Texas – Latin America Business Summit and provide sustained benefits, Cultural Confidence is proud to bring you this opportunity in collaboration with the World Affairs Council of Austin and the International Accelerator.
Participants will:

Become aware of the subtle yet powerful impact culture has on international business success
Develop awareness of their cultural conditioning, blind spots and how some behaviors can be perceived by Latin Americans counterparts

Gain insight into Latin American values, communication styles and business practices and develop the ability to predict and understand the behaviour and expectations of their Latin American counterparts

Learn to appreciate the different ways in which people are accustomed to work and communicate in Latin America, leverage diversity and capitalize on differences
Start developing culture-effective communication, leadership, conflict-resolution, management and negotiation skills.

In order to maximize participation and learning outcomes, space is limited to 20 participants.
The workshop will be held in beautiful space at the International Accelerator.
Beverages and healthy snacks will be provided.
Workbook included.

Country Briefing Featuring Macedonia's Ambassador to the USA, H.E. Mr. Vasko Naumovski
2016-11-29 11:30 - 13:00 | TX
H.E. Mr. Vasko Naumovski, the Republic of Macedonia’s Ambassador to the USA, will join World Affairs Council of Austin members for an exclusive political and trade briefing. Due to high interest, this event is filled to capacity.

World Affairs Council of Austin members receive exclusive invitations to private events. Membership information is available at: www.wacaustin.org/membership

International Business Coalition Meeting
2016-12-08 11:30 - 13:00 | Austin Chamber of Commerce, 535 E. Fifth Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
The Central Texas International Business Coalition’s regular informational networking agenda will include great speakers and global trade updates.
Our featured speaker this month
Arcie Jordan, Partner at GARDERE, will discuss the “Potential Effects of the 2016 Presidential Election on U.S. Investments in Mexico.”

RSVP HERE.

The International Business Coalition (IBC) strives to develop international business in central Texas, focusing its efforts on:

Attracting foreign direct investment;
Encouraging international business relocation to central Texas; and
Promoting international trade among central Texas businesses.

Doing Business with Cuba
2017-01-23 09:00 - 13:00 | State Capitol, 1100 Congress Avenue, Austin, 78701, United States
The U.S. has a trade embargo with Cuba, but…
Do you wonder about the future of U.S.-Cuba trade relations?
Did you know that you can now export food, agricultural, and other products or services to Cuba?
Did you know that you can now import certain items from Cuba?
Have you ever considered traveling to Cuba for business?
The World Affairs Council of Austin’s International Trade Center, in collaboration with the Texas-Cuba Trade Alliance, and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension offers “Doing Business with Cuba”. This program is designed to provide the information, education, and contacts crucial to facilitate successful business relations with Cuba.
Attend this half-day seminar to learn more about opportunities in Cuba. Reserve your seat now! RSVP HERE.
TENTATIVE AGENDA
Member Lounge, State Capital Annex, (Room E2.1002)
9:00 am Registration
9:10 Welcome Remarks by Texas State Representative Rafael Anchia, Chair, Texas House International Trade & Intergovernmental Affairs Committee and Ben Ramirez, VP, World Affairs Council of Austin
9:30 Message from Governor Abbott delivered by Michael Treyger, Manager Department of Business Assistance, Office of the Governor, State of Texas
9:45 The Cuban Market for Agricultural Products Dr. Luis Ribera, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
10:05 Export Controls (via Skype) Alan W. Christian, Senior Export Policy Analyst Bureau of Industry and Security U.S. Department of Commerce
10:35 Break
10:50 U.S. Perspective of Engagement with Cuba
Darrin Hall, United Airlines
Wayne Cleveland, Texas Grain Sorghum Association
Roy Gonzalez, Biehl & Company
11:20 US Treasury–OFAC Licenses Cynthia Thomas, TriDimension Strategies, LLC
11:40 Commercial Engagement with Cuba Ruben Ramos, Minister Counselor Economic and Trade Office, Embassy of Cuba
Containerized Shipments to Cuba Eradis González, President Almacenes Universales SA
Leonardo Sosa, Deputy Director Mariel Container Terminal SA.
Special Development Zone Mariel (ZEDM) Ana Teresa Igarza, General Director
12:55 pm Closing Remarks

Global Business Series: Malaysia Trade and Investment Briefing
2017-02-02 08:00 - 09:30 | BBVA Bank, 1703 W. 5th, Ste. 500, Austin, TX, 78703, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin’s International Trade Center is pleased to offer the Global Business Series: Trade and Investment Briefing on Malaysia featuring Mr. Chekib Akrout, Senior VP at AMD and Mr. Haizril Rahman, Director of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority in Houston. RSVP HERE
Agenda for meeting at BBVA Compass 1703 W. Fifth Street, Suite 500
8:00 AM REGISTRATION & NETWORKING
8:30 AM WELCOME REMARKS by Martin Morales, Commerical Banking Senior VP at BBVA Compass and Ben Ramirez, VP of WACA
8:40 AM PRESENTATION by Haizril Rahman, Director of MIDA HOUSTON
8:55 AM VIDEO PRESENTATION
9:00 AM PRESENTATION by Chekib Akrout, Senior VP at AMD
9:15 AM Q&A
9:30 AM End of program

Additional industry sector information is available in the Malaysia Electric and Electronic Industry Update.

Chekib Akrout is senior vice president of the global operations and information technology organization at AMD. Akrout oversees teams responsible for global operations, platform and product engineering, and infrastructure and IT services. In this role, Akrout is responsible for end-to-end yield, costs, quality, and delivery of new AMD products to customers, and optimizing business critical infrastructure and IT service/support.
Before joining AMD in 2008, Akrout worked at Freescale Semiconductor as vice president and general manager of the Networking System Division where he focused on networking multi-core and Digital Signal Processing, driving processor competitiveness in the networking markets. Prior to Freescale, he spent 23 years at IBM, where his last assignment was vice president of Entertainment and Embedded Processor Development and was responsible for the Cell Project developed through a Sony/Toshiba/IBM partnership as well as Xbox 360 processor development for Microsoft and embedded PowerPC processors cores for SoC.
Akrout holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University Pierre & Marie Curie in France, and a doctorate in electronics and physics.

Haizril Abd Rahman is the current Director of MIDA Houston and was appointed on November 7, 2016. He joined the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) in 2008 as an Economics Affair Officer. He served in Electrical & Electronics Industries Division at MIDA headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia before being assigned to MIDA US office in Boston as the Deputy Director in 2014. Haizril graduated from the University Tenaga Nasional, Malaysia with a Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) is the government’s principal agency for the promotion of the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. MIDA assists companies intending to invest in the manufacturing and services sectors, as well as facilitates the implementation of their projects. The wide range of services provided by MIDA includes providing information on the opportunities for investments, as well as facilitating companies which are looking for joint venture partners.

In partnership with:

British Life Science and MedTech Networking Event
2017-03-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Norton Rose Fulbright, 98 San Jacinto Blvd. Suite 1100, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin, in partnership with the United Kingdom Department of International Trade and the Association of British Healthcare Industries (ABHI) invites you to a networking reception highlighting the United Kingdom’s Lifescience and MedTech Delegation’s visit to Austin.
If your company is within the Lifescience or MedTech industry sector(s) and you are looking to find partners across the pond, please join us by registering at the link below.
Association of British Healthcare Industries (ABHI)

The Association of British Healthcare Industries (ABHI) is the industry association for the medical technology sector in the UK. ABHI’s mission is to champion the benefits and use of safe and effective medical technologies to deliver high quality patient outcomes. With over 250 members, ABHI leads the advocacy of the industry in order to advance access to medical technology. Our membership includes some of the leading multinational businesses in the sector in the UK right the way through to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).
ABHI membership is open to manufacturers as well as service companies involved in the sector, such as distributors, professional groups and lawyers.
ABHI was formed in the late 1980s to address Industry’s need to engage with the fast moving regulatory landscape and to support UK companies export their products around the world. ABHI has since grown and now has teams focusing on: UK market affairs;international policy; communications and public affairs; technical and regulatory issues; environmental issues; and events and exhibitions.

Connecting Globally & Acting Locally: Austin, Bavaria and Quebec 's Public Digital Strategies
2017-03-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Bungalow, 92 Rainey Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Austin (Central Texas), Bavaria (Germany) and Québec (Canada) have built a solid reputation among the most innovative and talent-driven regions. Their success is also about building the necessary synergies and engaging smart policies.
Leaders of the 3 regions are meeting at SXSW to share their views about the many challenges of today’s digital public strategies: tech entrepreneurship, public open data, evolving education programs, advanced research, social inclusive process, infrastructure investments, etc.

KEY NOTE SPEAKERS:
– Steve Adler, Mayor of Austin
– Dominique Anglade, Quebec Minister of Economy, Science & Innovation and Digital Strategy
– Siegfried Schneider, President of the Bavarian Regulatory Authority for New Media (BLM)
MODERATOR:
– Barbary Brunner, CEO of the Austin Technology Council
**Networking with Austin, Bavarian, Quebec business delegations

Advantage Dubai Seminar
2017-03-21 11:15 - 13:30 | Headliner’s Club, 221 W. Sixth Street,, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin, and the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council along with Protocol & Etiquette Worldwide are pleased to present the Advantage Dubai Seminar.
Join the Dubai Department of Economic Development’s Foreign Direct Investment Development Agency to learn about the innovation driven economy of Dubai. This interactive program will detail the 10 major innovation pillars of Dubai. Attendees will learn how Dubai serves as a platform to enhance business growth within the UAE, as well as further markets through its geographic location, human capital, infrastructure, government vision, and “can do attitude.” Additional topics will include the investment climate, leading sectors for U.S. export, investment, and business etiquette.
REGISTER TODAY!
Agenda
11:15 am Registration and Networking
11:30 am Welcome and Delegation Introductions
Mr. Ibrahim Ahli, Director of Investment Promotion, Dubai FDI
11:40 am Overview and Business Advantages in Dubai
12:15 pm Freezone Presentations
Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, TECOM, Dubai Internet City, Dubai South, Dubai Commodities Trade Zone
1:15 pm Q&A
1:30 pm Concluding Remarks

The United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) is a significant U.S. export market and an important regional hub for American companies doing business throughout the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. The U.A.E. has a population of approximately 9.5 million, out of which about 85 percent is expatriates. In 2015, the U.A.E. registered a real GDP growth rate of 3.9 percent, down from 4.6 percent in 2014. Due to its vast oil wealth and relatively small population to which it must provide services, the U.A.E. is well positioned to ride out the current low-oil-price economy. To diversify away from oil, the government is transitioning from an investment economy to a knowledge economy. To this end, it is focused on developing new industrial and commercial sectors, including aerospace, healthcare, education, and defense and tourism.
The U.A.E. is a leading commercial center serving the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, with a significant portion of its import volume ultimately being re-exported. Dubai in particular plays a central role as a regional trade, logistics and tourism hub. Its economy has also been buoyed by ongoing construction and infrastructure projects in the lead-up to the Dubai World Expo 2020. While the construction sector has come under substantial pressure due to the prolonged slump in oil prices, the sector remains resilient, and Dubai’s planned real estate and infrastructure projects are progressing. Most notably, the expansion of the Al-Maktoum International Airport by Dubai Airport Authority, valued at $33 billion, is Dubai’s single biggest project.

Austin Global Business Forum
2017-03-29 18:30 - 21:00 | St. Edwards University, Jones Auditorium, 3001 South Congress, Austin, TX, 78704, United States
The Kozmetsky Center in collaboration with Munday School of Business and World Affairs Council of Austin will host an evening Austin Global Business Forum to discuss Austin’s expanding international business engagement. Speakers will assess growth in Austin’s global business presence, regional concentrations, and potential for future expansion and development in specific industries and sectors. Leaders from industry will share their perspectives on how individuals can best prepare for careers in an increasingly globalized business environment.
This program will feature representatives from the Office of the Governor of Texas, Austin Business Journal, and other professionals based in the local community with extensive experience in business and finance throughout various regions of the world.
The event will take place in Jones Auditorium on the St. Edwards University campus.
