Delaware businesses and organizations can learn about the tools and resources available to help them export at “Ready-Set-Export!,” a seminar organized by the Small Business Administration.

The event, which will be held on Tuesday October 6, at the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce at 8:30 a.m., will feature partners from the Federal, State and Local levels of government. Officials from Global Delaware will also be on hand to answer questions on how to participate and apply for STEP Grants. Attendees can even begin the application process right at the event.

“There are amazing opportunities for Delaware companies to grow their business by bringing their products and services overseas, and it’s a lot easier to do than people think,” said Beth Pomper, Export Advisor to Global Delaware. “This event can help companies get a handle on what exporting entails and explain how we can help them get up and running.”

“This is the only event where companies will find all of their business development partners, federal, state and county, in one room,” notes Mike Rossi of the SBA. “It is a great chance for companies to get all of their questions answered, and plan their export activities, including creating a trade show/trade mission calendar, for the next year.”

The free event begins at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday October 6, at the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, 12 Penns Way, New Castle, DE. Companies can register for this free event online. For more information, contact Emma Cowdery at global@delaware.gov.

Canada offers the most promise to Delaware companies looking for trade and partnership opportunities abroad.

That was the message Delaware’s new foreign trade representative for Canada drove home to local business owners during a recent roundtable at the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce.

“Canada is a neighbor and a natural partner,” said Ludovic Ortuno, an experienced international trade and development professional working and living in the Montreal area. “It has a well-developed, mature market with diverse industries organized into clusters, and a long and successful trading history with the U.S.”

Ortuno was recently engaged by Global Delaware to help Delaware businesses find partners in Canada. He works in-country to perform market research and analysis, develop product strategies for market entry, identify potential customers, provide in-country logistical, translational and related support services, and even negotiate with distributors on behalf of Delaware companies.

With many years of experience working with premier international trade and development agencies, Ortuno has an extensive understanding of what it takes to launch new products in Canada and other markets. “Ludovic is a seasoned trade expert and a strategic thinker. He can help companies with all aspects of marketing, find resources, identify the right partners and navigate Canadian rules and regulations,” noted Global Delaware Director Andrea Tinianow.

During the roundtable, Ortuno told participants that Canada is the largest export market for the U.S., with bilateral investment and trade between Canada and the United States reaching $1 trillion annually. Canada has the largest growth in GDP of the G-7 countries, he noted, and is ranked as the most favorable country with which to do business of the G-20. The International Monetary Fund predicts its Gross Domestic Product will grow consistently at 2 percent annually through 2020.

Ortuno cautioned that although Canada’s geographic proximity and comparable business culture make it an easier export target market, it is still a different country. “Canada is friendly to the U.S., but has its own certification processes, regulations, business and labor laws,” he explained. “Delaware companies need the proper tools and resources to successfully sell their goods and services across the border.”

State efforts to help companies seek opportunities abroad

Connecting Delaware businesses with foreign trade representatives is part of Global Delaware’s Strategic Export Plan to increase business opportunities and jobs for local companies. Foreign trade representatives have extensive contacts with in-country industry associations and government agencies, chambers of commerce and public and private organizations, as well as specialized expertise in assisting U.S. companies establish distributor and customer networks in their country markets.

In addition to developing a network of foreign trade representatives, Global Delaware will organize trade missions to key markets for qualifying businesses and provide access to an exhaustive database of international distributors.

“We want more Delaware companies to be part of the $1 billion that goes back and forth across the Canadian border daily,” Andrea Tinianow said. “We are building the bridges, tunnels and railways so our businesses can join the global economy; we are committed to getting them there.”

To learn more about Global Delaware, please visit: global.delaware.gov

Distinguished Delaware physicians, scientists and entrepreneurs will meet with colleagues from around the world at the University of Delaware’s STAR campus to discuss exciting work being done in the fields of translational medicine and oncology research here in the State.

Members of the international bio-science community will meet with Governor Jack Markell in the morning, followed by a lively discussion with area experts to learn about ground-breaking work being done here in the search for tests, tools and treatment that can be used to combat diseases such as cancer. They will also take a tour of the state-of-the-art facilities at UD’s STAR campus and hear details about the wet lab incubators currently under construction at UD and at Delaware State University.

This exclusive one-day event comes at the conclusion of the week-long International BIO Convention in Philadelphia and demonstrates Delaware’s prowess for moving R&D innovations to the marketplace.

“Delaware is committed to providing companies with the support and resources needed to convert research into results that can be used to detect disease, equip caregivers and provide patients with treatment and therapies,” said Governor Jack Markell. “Our small state makes it easier for researchers to connect with community healthcare facilities and accomplished healthcare providers to accelerate the pace of moving medicines, equipment and therapies from the lab bench to the patient’s bedside.”

The event features some of the brightest minds in the State, including scientists from the Center for Translational Cancer Research and DSU’s Optical Science Center for Applied Research, as well as executives from bio-science start-ups Genome Profiling and Incyte and from Delaware Technology Park. Industry veteran Ian Wright and Dean of UD’s College of Health Sciences Kathleen Matt are hosting the event.

“This is a unique opportunity for international bio-science executives and scientists to connect with an exceptional group of professionals doing cutting-edge research, and to appreciate how Delaware provides the perfect environment for this caliber of work,” said Ian Wright. “We are confident that we will provide our colleagues from with serious food for thought as they contemplate the best place in the U.S. to bring their bio-science business.”

A new arbitration law takes effect today in Delaware that offers businesses around the world a fast-track arbitration option to resolve disputes quickly and cost-efficiently.

The newly enacted Delaware Rapid Arbitration Act (DRAA), developed by an interdisciplinary team of arbitration practitioners led by Delaware’s Chief Justice Leo E. Strine Jr., Chancellor Andre G. Bouchard, and Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock allows companies to initiate arbitration proceedings anywhere in the world and sets strict time limits on the process to help companies avoid spending valuable time and resources on protracted litigation or even traditional arbitration.

“Delaware has a well-deserved reputation for innovation and for its responsiveness to the international business community,” explained Delaware Governor Jack Markell. “The DRAA is just the latest example of how the State—with input from the Courts and Delaware’s legal community—has responded to an unmet need for speedier dispute resolution with a thoughtful and practical solution.”

Sophisticated businesses can use the DRAA to resolve disputes quickly, fairly and cost-effectively. The new law is particularly well-suited for companies doing business together, so long as one of the businesses is a Delaware business entity.

Under the new law, an arbitrator must make a final decision within 120 days of accepting the case, although a one-time 60-day extension is allowed if both parties agree. Arbitrators who fail to render a decision before the allotted time will receive reduced fees corresponding to the length of the delay.

An International Solution

DRAA proceedings can be held anywhere in the world. This is significant, given that Delaware is the corporate home to businesses all over the globe.

For this reason, the international legal community was asked to participate in the development of the new legislation. “Legal experts from around the world shared their thoughts and experiences about the arbitration process, and those ideas were carefully considered when the law was drafted,” noted Delaware Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock. “The law captures some of the best practices from private international arbitration, and at the same time addresses problems with existing arbitration options, such as limiting the scope of the arbitration, giving the arbitrators discretion when making awards, and limiting the appeal process.”

In a DRAA proceeding, the arbitrator can be chosen by the parties or appointed by Delaware’s Court of Chancery. The arbitrator defines the scope of the arbitration, and determines the final award. Challenges to the award are made directly to Delaware’s Supreme Court, rather than being reviewed by a trial court, and are limited in scope. This avoids the prospect of time-consuming litigation and prevents either party from using stalling tactics that could prove costly and halt proceedings.

The DRAA cannot be used for disputes involving consumers. Companies interested in having the option to use the DRAA must sign a contract to that effect.

“We are confident that attorneys and their clients around the world will quickly discover the benefits the new law offers,” Bullock stated. “Delaware understands business like no other jurisdiction in the U.S. or abroad, and is committed to continuing to provide support and innovation as quickly as needs are identified.”

The State of Delaware is working in conjunction with local attorneys to provide the international legal community with information and resources about the DRAA. The attached document provides additional facts about the DRAA, and readers can download a copy of the DRAA handbook, as well as model forma and petitions, from the website of the Delaware firm Richards, Layton & Finger at rlf.com/DRAA. More information is also available at global.blogs.delaware.gov.

Memorandums of Understanding Signed Covering Education, Trade, Agriculture, and Culture

Agreement Marks Peru’s First Partnership with a U.S. State

(Washington, D.C.)  – President Ollanta Humala, Ambassador Harold Forsyth and Delaware Governor Jack Markell met on Tuesday in Washington to discuss cooperation between the Republic of Peru and the State of Delaware, covering agriculture, education, science and technology, culture and trade.

“The cooperation between Peru and the government of Delaware indicates our interest in being connected with one of the most dynamic regional economies in the USA,” said President Humala. “We are looking forward to amplifying our trade and commercial relationship to the benefit of our people.”

They were also joined by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Eda Rivas; Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Mr. José Luis Silva Martinot; Minister of Defense, Pedro Cateriano; Chairman of the Science and Technology, Dr. Maria Orjeda.; Delaware Secretary of State, Mr. Jeffrey Bullock, President of the University of Delaware, Dr. Patrick Harker; and Executive Director of the Diamond State Port Corporation, Mr. Gene Bailey.

Ambassador Forsyth and Governor Markell signed an agreement to cement Peru’s first partnership with a U.S. state.  The document establishes a framework for dialogue that builds on complementary strengths, including Peru’s rapidly growing agricultural exports, the role of Delaware’s seaport as the leading North American port for perishables, and opportunities for academic collaboration.

“We’re excited and honored to work together with Peru to explore new ways to create jobs in both of our countries,” said Governor Markell.  “Delaware is a state of neighbors, so we know how to identify opportunities together and then move quickly to get things done.  Our experience with the Embassy shows that Peru has a similar approach – open, practical and innovative.”

“Our Embassy is very pleased in being a bridge between Delaware and our country. We appreciate the mutual understanding between both parties, and we expect to excel in terms of cooperation and trade opportunities,” said Ambassador Forsyth.

Ambassador Forsyth, on behalf of the National Port Authority of Peru, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mr. Bailey, representing the Diamond State Port Corporation, a Delaware state entity which owns and operates the Port of Wilmington, to collaborate in strengthening port competitiveness, develop joint promotion events, and exchange information.

Peru is a leading exporter of asparagus, organic coffee, organic cacao, and organic bananas worldwide.  Peru’s diversity of climates and soils makes it possible to grow crops as varied as quinoa, asparagus, mangos, grapes, artichokes, avocado, and paprika, among many others.

As the largest port for bananas in the Western Hemisphere and the leading fruit seaport in the U.S., Delaware’s seaport serves as a major distribution center for perishable cargo on the East Coast.  With overnight delivery to 200 million North American consumers, the Port of Wilmington, Delaware is well placed to share information and technical experience with Peruvian ports and agricultural exporters.

“This is a very exciting opportunity for the Port of Wilmington to forge a maritime and trade relationship with the economically vibrant country of Peru and its strong network of ports,” said Gene Bailey. “We are honored on this occasion and eagerly look forward to the many opportunities for collaboration and cooperation incorporated in this Memorandum of Understanding.”

Dr. Patrick Harker, President of the University of Delaware, presented a letter to President Humala, confirming the University’s intention to host graduate students through the President’s hallmark Beca 18 program for high-achieving, low-income youth.  The University will work closely with the Embassy and the Peruvian Department of Education over the next few months to finalize the details and conclude an agreement.

“The University of Delaware is thrilled to partner with the government of Peru and its Ministry of Education to welcome dozens of Peruvian students each year into UD’s top graduate programs—particularly those in the STEM sectors, which underpin economic growth,” said UD President Patrick Harker. “The University has enjoyed a long and close relationship with Peru, advanced by the understanding that our mutual strength is reinforced when we invest in high-quality education and open students’ access to it.”

Fact Sheet:

Port of Wilmington, Delaware

• Wilmington is roughly half way between New York City and Washington, DC.  The Port of Wilmington, Delaware is the first and busiest port on the Delaware river.
• North America’s #1 fruit, juice concentrates and tropical fruit seaport.
• The produce trade through the Port of Wilmington, Delaware supports 2,660 jobs directly and indirectly.
• A major distribution center providing an overnight delivery to 200 million North American consumers of fruit and juice.
• North America’s largest on-dock cold storage complex aggregating 800,000 sf. (74,322m²).
• The Port of Wilmington, Delaware has handled more than 750,000 boxes of Peruvian grapes since 2008.

Peruvian Agriculture

• Peru is the third largest country in South America, with almost 2.2 million hectares of cultivated land, and an agricultural potential of 7.6 million hectares.
• Peru is a top exporter of asparagus, organic coffee, organic cacao, and organic bananas worldwide.
• Peru’s location in the southern hemisphere allows it to supply off-season products to the United States.
• Peru’s diversity of climates and soils makes it possible to grow crops as varied as quinoa, asparagus, mangos, grapes, artichokes, avocado and paprika, among many others.
• Exports from agriculture exceeded US$ 4.2 billion in 2012.  Peru aims to double exports every five years, aiming for US$ 6 billion in agricultural exports for 2015.

University of Delaware

• The University of Delaware (UD) is a Land Grant, Sea Grant, Space Grant, Carnegie Research University (very high research activity). The University, with origins in 1743, was chartered by the State of Delaware in 1833.
• UD’s Art Conservation Department includes one of the leading Master’s-level graduate programs in art conservation worldwide. The program, jointly sponsored with Winterthur Museum,  focuses on the examination, analysis, treatment and care of paintings, textiles, ceramics, metals,  works of art on paper and other cultural artifacts around the world. The Department Chair, Dr. Debra Hess Norris, recently led a workshop in Lima on photographic heritage preservation for 100 museum and library professionals. Dr. Jennifer Mass taught a program for Peruvian conservators, and is also collaborating with Dr. Patricia Gonzales of the Sección Química of the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú.  UD students have worked to restore sculptures at the Santa Teresa Monastery Museum, including Jose Luis Lazarte Luna of Peru, who was recently awarded one of only ten highly competitive Art Conservation Fellowships.
• UD’s College of Engineering is home to one of the top ten engineering programs in the United States. Faculty members are devoted to building a community of problem-solvers focused on challenges associated with sustainability, energy, health care and the environment.
• UD’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources features programs in Animal and Food Sciences, Applied Economics and Statistics, Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, and Plant and Soil Sciences. The college is internationally renowned in the areas of avian biosciences, plant molecular biology, and soil and environmental quality.
• The University of Delaware has a signed General Agreement and Supplemental Agreement with the Pontifica Universidad Catolica del Peru, dating back to 2002, that utilized the University of Delaware’s expertise in Problem-Based Learning to improve the teaching of mathematics, physics, and chemistry through innovative pedagogical approaches.
• In recognition of his work with the Pontifica Universidad  Catolica del Peru on Problem-Based Learning, George Watson, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, received an honorary professorship from the university in 2007.
• The University of Delaware is an international institution: UD offered the first study-abroad program in the world in 1923, and celebrates its 90th anniversary of study abroad in 2013.   The UD School of Nursing organized a summer session Study Abroad trip to Peru in 2012.