Contact: Sammy McDavid
A better understanding of export trade financing is the goal of a Nov. 18 public seminar at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown Jackson.
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. for the program sponsored by Mississippi State University's College of Business and Industry. Other sponsors include the state Department of Economic and Community Development, Mississippi Bankers Association and Hinds Community College's International Trade Center.
"While open to all, this special program is geared to companies currently exporting and those planning to in the future, as well as to commercial lending offices that deal often with transactions involving lines of credit and working capital," said Edward H. Duett of Mississippi State.
The $45 registration fee includes lunch and all conference materials.
Duett, a professor of finance and economics, said obtaining working capital often is crucial for companies striving to compete in today's economy. "As global markets become more prevalent and companies look overseas to expand sales, the attempt to obtain working capital can be disheartening at times," he added.
The seminar will examine the uses and availability of trade finance opportunities and guarantees with the Export-Import Bank of the United States and the federal Small Business Administration. Both have programs to meet short- and long-term finance needs, Duett said.
In addition to federal programs, information will be provided on private-sector financing through export receivable insurance and specially chartered trade finance banking institutions.
For more information on the seminar, telephone Duett at (601) 325-7472; Bill Scaggs of DECD at 359-6672; or Beth Embry of the MBA at 948-6366.