In collaboration with Buffalo Niagara Enterprise, World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara launches a New Web-Based International Trade Tool

Web-based resource is designed to assist Buffalo Niagara businesses seeking international expansion, and for foreign investors looking to ivnest in Buffalo Niagara

In collaboration with Buffalo Niagara Enterprise (BNE), and with funding provided by National Grid, World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara (WTCBN) is proud to announce the launch of a new international trade tool for regional businesses. WTCBN developed the International Toolkit; a comprehensive, Web-based resource of critical, specialized, and common resources for international business development. The International Toolkit, located on World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara’s website at www.wtcbn.org, will support companies’ due diligence in investigating international business operations and opportunities.

“Volumes of information exist on various topics of international trade but what has been missing is a local, up-to-date, singular resource for companies as they navigate the various channels of trade” says Holly Sinnott, President & CEO of World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara. WTCBN developed the content of the International Toolkit based on the most common trade inquiries received from WTCBN’s consulting clients, members, and other companies over the past three years.

The International Toolkit was developed for use by companies in Buffalo Niagara who are interested in expanding their business internationally. The tool will provide two key types of resources: International business information maintained on WTCBN’s website and direct linkages to external resources, including links to and from National Grid Business Economic Development sites. “National Grid’s investment will allow WTCBN to increase its reach across Upstate New York and will be a great asset for small and medium sized companies looking to increase sales through international trade,” says Marilyn Higgins, Vice President of National Grid's Economic Development.

Other external resources include: International industry associations, Eurostat Trade Database, Bureau of Industry and Security Export Administration Regulations, US Trade Representative Free Trade Agreements, US Center for International Business, and the US Department of Commerce’s Trade Information Center.

The site also contains a Regional Information section that will be maintained by Buffalo Niagara Enterprise to highlight information that would be of interest to site selectors in North America as well as foreign investors. "International business is a major component of Buffalo Niagara's bi-national economy. The toolkit developed by World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara will help the business community capitalize on the region's strategic location and its wealth of international business expertise," said Thomas A. Kucharski, President and CEO of Buffalo Niagara Enterprise.

As a web-based resource, WCTBN will continue to maintain the information and links as new trade agreements are signed, new resources become available, and other changes occur.

The WTCBN International Toolkit offers business information organized into these convenient sections:
Trading Basics
Steps to Market Entry (EXPORTS)
Steps to Procurement (IMPORTS)
Trade Terms

Shipping/Trade Zones
C-TPAT
FAST
NEXUS
Incoterms
Container Information
Foreign Trade Zones/Free Trade Zones

Research & Statistics
Trade Flow Data
Country Reports
Partner Search
International Industry Associations

Regulations and Documentation
Customs Regulations
Shippers Export Declaration
Commercial Invoices
Exporting Licenses
Certificate of Origin
NAFTA Certificate of Origin
Letters of Credit
ATA Carnet

Tariffs and Taxes
Classification Systems
Tariff Rate Schedules
Value Added Taxes

International Certification
Conformité Européene (CE) Marks
China Compulsory Certificate (CCC Mark)
Other International Certifications or Standards

Free Trade Agreements (FTA)
Andean Free Trade Agreement (AFTA)
Australia-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA)
Central American and Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA)
U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement
U.S.-Israel Free Trade Agreement
U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement
U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement
U.S.-Panama Free Trade Agreement
U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
Canadian Free Trade Agreements

Trade Finance
Letters of Credit
Export Credit Insurance
Private Export/Import Lenders
Exchange Rate Calculator

Events, Trade Shows and Missions
World Trade Center Association (WTCA) Online
Trade Show Listings
Foreign Trade Missions

A live demonstration of tool kit elements and access functionality is available for members of the press at the offices of World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara at 661 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202.

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World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara (WTCBN) is an international business development organization committed to helping companies trade by providing consulting services, education and training, and worldwide membership affiliation. WTCBN is recognized as a Center of Excellence by the World Trade Centers Association, a private, non-profit, global association of 300 World Trade Centers in 100 countries. WTCBN uses its distinct consulting capabilities to strengthen the competitive international position of companies in Western New York, the Southern Tier, the Finger Lakes, and Niagara, Ontario