Sung Won Sohn, Ph.D. Photo courtesy of CSU Channel Islands
Panel talk to focus on how local businesses can trade with emerging Asian markets
CAMARILLO — Small and medium-sized businesses in Ventura County can and should be trading with emerging Asian markets, according to CSU Channel Islands (CI) economic expert Sung Won Sohn, Ph.D.
Sohn has arranged for the consuls general of five Asian countries to visit Ventura County for a special June 5 panel entitled “How to Trade With Asian Countries.” Consuls general from Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines will speak about how businesses can trade with their emerging Asian markets during a 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. free presentation at Malibu Hall, Room 100 on the CI campus at One University Drive.
“We have a pretty good economy in Ventura County, but we can do better,” Sohn, director of the Institute for Global Economic Research (IGER) at the university, stated in a media release. “One of the ways we can do better is to try to sell to Asian countries, which are growing at a much faster pace than we are.”
Sohn says larger businesses are already trading, but there is opportunity for smaller businesses as well, and the consuls general can show them how to make those connections.
“First, you have to understand what you have to sell,” Sohn said. “Then you try to find out which countries want your products and services and make contact. This is a good opportunity for you as a business person to start that process.”
Sohn invited the consuls general to Ventura County because he believes this information is important to local businesses, but he also wants to underscore the global nature of today’s economy to CI students, and encourage them to stay “tuned in” to those markets.
“Many nations around the world are struggling,” Sohn said. “But Asian countries and the Pacific Rim are growing faster and creating more jobs. That’s where the money is.”
Admission to the event along with continental breakfast is free; advance registration is requested. Visit https://csuci.wufoo.com/forms/how-to-trade-with-asian-countries
Check-in for the event will be from 8:30 to 9 a.m., followed by the presentation scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Complimentary event parking is limited and only in the designated parking lot. Follow the directional signage to the event parking lot and obtain a parking pass from the lot attendant. Once parked, place the permit in your car window.
The event is sponsored by the Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics; Wells Fargo; Rabobank; Port of Hueneme, Oxnard Harbor District, and the Port of Los Angeles Trade Connect program and funded by the Martin V. and Martha K. Smith Foundation.
For additional event information contact Effie Karacali at effie.karacali@csuci.edu or 805-437-8545.