California Chamber of Commerce Launches Web Page Detailing International Trade Information and Resources.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 11, 1999--

The California Chamber of Commerce today announced it has launched a web page to provide detailed information on international trade issues, including statistics vital to all those interested in maintaining California's standing as the nation's largest exporting state and eight largest economy in the world. The page is available at www.calchamber.com/international.html or by clicking on "International Trade" on the California Chamber's web page at www.calchamber.com.

The California Chamber of Commerce International Trade web page has been designed to be the resource to all those seeking user-friendly information on international trade, which is an integral part of California's burgeoning economy. California exports topped $100 billion for the third consecutive year totaling $105 billion in 1998. Also in 1998, California maintained its perennial position as the nation's largest exporting state, outstripping second-place Texas by $18.1 billion. California exports in 1998 directly and indirectly supported approximately 1.47 million jobs in the Golden State.

"State and federal legislative issues affecting international trade are a top priority for many of our members who want quick, easy access to comprehensive data all in one place," said Susanne Stirling, California Chamber of Commerce vice president, international affairs. "Our International Trade web page provides exactly that."

Information on the California Chamber's International Trade page includes:

A Summary of California Chamber International Trade Activities

Information in this section summarizes services provided by the California Chamber including:

-- California Chamber activities to assist members with general export and import issues including monitoring state and federal issues, sponsoring or hosting appropriate international trade and investment missions or events, trade shows and educational programs.

-- Comprehensive statistics on California's international trade standing.

Trade and Legislation Issues

Information in this section provides:

-- Brief descriptions, facts and analyses of state and federal legislative issues relevant to international trade.

-- The California Chamber's position and policies on international trade legislation.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

-- Information in this section answers questions ranging from how to get in touch with U.S. and/or foreign contacts involved in international trade to obtaining certificates of origin or determining custom duties.

Web Links to Additional International Trade Organizations

Links on this page include:

-- Links to state, federal, regional and global international trade sites including names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of contacts.

Publications

Information in this section provides:

-- Descriptions of California Chamber publications offering comprehensive information on international trade in California:

-- The California Chamber's International Trade Resources Guide offers up to date information about resources available to California businesses for conducting international trade. Included in the Guide are lists of every state and federal office and the name of the person to help provide assistance in exporting to each country.

-- The California Chamber's Exporting Guide for California provides step-by-step information to help the California company wishing to become involved in exporting or to expand existing export sales. Both publications can be purchased by calling 800-331-8877 and will eventually be available for purchase on-line.

Export Hotline 

-- A link to www.exporthotline.com, developed by International Strategies, Inc. and nationally co-sponsored by the California Chamber of Commerce. This link provides additional international trade information and 1999 country reviews, industry surveys, and global business directories.

The California Chamber is the largest broad-based employer representative in California and is located in the capital, Sacramento. Membership totals nearly 12,000 and includes firms of all sizes and companies from every industry throughout the state. The California Chamber also offers publications and services to help California businesses comply with both state and federal employment law. The California Chamber promotes international trade and investment in order to stimulate California's economy and create new jobs. In an increasingly competitive global economy, the state must work aggressively to open markets for California business and attract foreign investment to keep the Golden State at the cutting edge of global trends.