SEA Change: Preparing Illinois Businesses for Southeast Asia’s Expanded Role in the Global Economy

The SEA Change Project

The Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at Bradley University (ITC) has been awarded a U.S. Department of Education BIE grant for our SEA Change project to assist companies with increasing exports to Southeast Asia (SEA).  As part of this effort, the ITC has brought together trade specialists, subject matter experts and consultants from around the country and across Asia to present a webinar series on this dynamic region.

The U.S. Administration is currently signaling a pivot to Asia to increase cooperation and trade, particularly in Southeast Asia.  Moreover, countries, companies and even consumers are looking for alternatives to China due to supply chain issues and ongoing trade disputes, making the region even more crucial to Illinois businesses’ international success.

Live Webinar

SEA Change: Preparing Illinois Businesses for Southeast Asia’s

Expanded Role in the Global Economy

This SEA Change webinar will examine how the distinct cultures, business and regulatory environments of Southeast Asia offer enormous potential for Illinois companies. 

The Illinois Office of Trade and Investment and the U.S. Commercial Service will introduce resources to help companies new to Southeast Asia, as well as companies familiar with the region, find success in highly competitive markets, as they share strategies for a regional approach.   From there, our experts will drill down to examine current trends to identify specific opportunities in industry sectors and countries. 

Who should attend: 

-Companies considering entering Southeast Asia, as well as companies experienced in Asia looking for their next market

-Business owners and decision-makers interested in seeking export opportunities in the world’s fastest growing region

-Business development and sales teams looking to rebalance efforts away from markets that underperformed during the pandemic.

 Our Speakers:

Lauro Arias 

International Trade Specialist- Asia-Pacific

The Illinois Department of Commerce, Office of Trade and Investment

John Breidenstine

Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs, ASEAN Regional Senior Commercial Officer

U.S. Embassy Bangkok, Thailand

U.S. Foreign Commercial Service

International Trade Administration

U.S. Department of Commerce

David M. Nufrio

Deputy Director 

Office of Southeast Asia

International Trade Administration

U.S. Department of Commerce

John Dwyer

Managing Director

Peregrine Management International, LLC