MIAMI CHAPTER OF OWIT TO HOST THE 16TH ANNUAL WORLD CONFERENCE
Conference Sets Stage For International Business Women Seeking Alliances
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Claudia Bailly, 305-338-7400 cbailly@bellsouth.net
Megan Kat, 305-358-6832 Megan.kat@edelman.com
October 4, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Miami, FL – A dozen accomplished businesswomen from emerging markets in Africa, Asia and Latin America will be special guests at an international trade conference in Miami October 10-12 and they will be seeking to establish alliances with North American companies and organizations. The women – who range from business owners to representatives of women’s business organizations and even government–, will be attending the 16th Annual Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) World Conference.
“This represents a truly unique opportunity for businesses in the South Florida area, and for all delegates at the conference, to establish global linkages with some truly amazing women,” says Helen Picard, President of WIT-Miami, the conference host chapter. “We are looking forward to facilitating meaningful conversations and business opportunities.”
“Thanks to the funding from CIDA and the partnership with TFOC, we will have this exciting delegation at the conference to enhance cross-border exchanges that can open new markets. It is particularly fitting since the theme of this year’s conference is Emerging Markets: The Road Ahead for Finance, Business and Trade. The delegates will also provide input into the APEC Women Leaders Network meeting that will take place in Peru next year.”
Among the other highlights of the conference, which brings together entrepreneurs and executives involved in all aspects of international trade, will be keynote presentations by Ambassador Susan Schwab, United States Trade Representative and Canada’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs & International Trade, Helena Guergis, as well as a fireside chat with Forbes 100 representatives, including Maureen Kempston Darkes, President of GM LAAM. A roster of high-level speakers covering both policy and practical aspects of trade, from supply chain security to microcredit and entrepreneurship, will complement the program.
The conference will be held at the Miami Beach Resort & Spa from October 10-12.
About OWIT The Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) is a non-profit professional organization dedicated to advancing global trade opportunities and the advancement of women in business. OWIT has over 3,000 members in chapters throughout the world, including the United States, Canada, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa. www.owit.org
About CIDA The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) is Canada’s lead agency for development assistance. It has a mandate to support sustainable development in developing countries in order to reduce poverty and to contribute to a more secure, equitable, and prosperous world. www.acdi-cida.gc.ca
About TFOC The Trade Facilitation Office Canada (TFOC) is a not-for-profit corporation that provides information on and linkages to the Canadian import market and a source of training for exporting and for investment attraction for developing and transition economy countries. Since 2004 TFOC – jointly with the International Trade Centre (UN/WTO), ACCESS! for African Businesswomen in International Trade – has been implementing a trade training/mentoring/on-line information program that is currently in place in over 10 African countries and offered in four languages. www.tfoc.ca