INTERNATIONAL TRADE : What in the World You Need to Know as Importer or Exporter

For those who want to become successful importers or exporters, the Center for International Trade Development in Irvine may be the place to start.

Many of the more than 1,000 entrepreneurs and business executives who stopped by the center in the past two years had little idea how to get involved in global trade, said Ray Thompson, center manager.

At the center, students were given advice, classroom instruction and heard about informal get-togethers with trade experts aimed at turning an idea or product into an international moneymaker.

The center operates under the auspices of Coastline Community College in Fountain Valley, and is one of nine such centers around the state. Services include export counseling, technical assistance, strategic planning, providing trade finance options, resources and referrals.

The services are free.

So far, Thompson said many clients hear of the center through referrals from the U.S. Department of Commerce offices in Newport Beach.

“They will automatically refer you to me and (we’ll) help you on how to get started,” Thompson said.

The center can be reached at (714) 863-9356.