FREE TRADE ALLIANCE was created in 1994 to lead the development of San Antonio as a multi-modal port and competitive international trade center. Since its founding, the Alliance has grown to promote the development of international trade and investment for the region. A public private organization, Alliance brings together the resources of its members and focuses them towards the promotion, development and facilitation of international business and trade.
MISSION: To enhance the San Antonio and regional economy through international business development and advocacy.
GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Foreign Investment – Attract, retain and expand foreign direct investment.
•Promote and operate an international business accelerator for foreign-based companies seeking to establish or expand the market for their products throughout North America
•Coordinate comprehensive services to assist foreign investors seeking to establish a presence or do business in Texas by providing marketing and financial feasibility analysis and site selection services
•Provide logistics and distribution operations with supply chain management solutions utilizing the regions port and trade-related infrastructure
•Manage and promote the Foreign Trade Zone #80 program
•Coordinate consultative services on tax, legal, intellectual property, labor, visas, logistics and financial matters
Business Development – Assist firms in exploring, developing and expanding international business activities.
•Coordinate and promote inbound/outbound international trade missions
•Promote and coordinate member participation in international conferences and trade shows
•Provide members customized research assistance for their international business development activities
•Host and organize trade-related meetings, seminars and conferences
•Communicate timely information to members on international events and news impacting the region
•Facilitate members’ international business development through comprehensive web-based tools including trade lead postings, calendar of events and a trade resource center
•Notarize and process Export Certificates of Origin
Policy and Advocacy – Develop and advocate solutions to international business development issues.
•Identify and monitor trade-related issues
•Analyze and formulate policies through issue-specific committees and task forces
•Develop advocacy strategies to enlist the support of elected officials and both business and civic leaders
•Implement and communicate advocacy strategies through Alliance’s government affairs and lobbying team
•Host and organize trade policy events and programs to create awareness and provide opportunities to interact with policy makers
Education – Develop global business leaders by providing cultural, business, language and related educational programs
•Develop an international network of student organizations, focused on competing in a global market.
•Coordinate an international business plan program to encourage international awareness, to develop a global perspective and to foster the entrepreneurial spirit of local students.
•Create programs addressing challenges specific to women in a variety of international fields
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