Institute Departments - Forum on International Trade

The Forum is designed to provide information and analysis to students on how to navigate today's rapidly changing and highly competitive global marketplace
Forum staff and associate experts have years of hands-on experience with the full range of international trade policy issues. They give students answers to questions that they have about getting started in international trade and also act as advisers and mentors.

Students interested in international trade have the opportunity to take the special course developed by the Center “Practical Aspects of International Trade – An Introduction.”

Students learn how to develop International Trade Business Plans from the Forum’s “Getting Started In International Trade Course.”

In addition, the course examines steps that must be taken to process any international order, provides in-dept information on export licenses, export financing, advice on product distribution, distribution options, restrictive trade practices or boycotts, customs, import regulations, documentation requirements, legal environments, product liability, currency travel, requirements, foreign investment, tax consideration, local forms of business incorporations, export management firms, foreign investment, currency exchange systems and related information.

The Forum will make it possible for students to attend seminars, obtain informational materials and participate in hands on projects. The goal will be for students to develop skills necessary for them to compete successfully in the world economy and helping them and other small businesses to develop international business relationships.

The Forum will collaborate with other local, state, and federal organizations to encourage local businesses to evaluate international business opportunities and enhance the Greater Cleveland community’s ability to attract foreign trade. work on a variety of international trade issues of interest to students and local small businesses.

The focus of the Forum also will be to provide information and educational resources to small local companies looking to enter into international trade or expanding their international trade business.

Business success provides employment opportunities, diversifies the local/national economy(s), and enhances the quality of life for all residents.