Global Update

President Obama has created a new Interagency Trade Enforcement Center (ITEC) to enhance the administration's capabilities to aggressively challenge unfair foreign trade practices.

A total of 150 SEMA Show exhibitors received international recognition for 257 new products released at the 2011 SEMA Show through the Global Media Awards.

President Obama wants Congress to grant him authority to reorganize the federal government, starting with the merger of one department and five agencies that govern business, trade and export issues. Former presidents had such authority for more than 50 years, from the Hoover through Reagan administrations. President Obama has requested a 90-day fast-track procedure, giving Congress an up-or-down vote on each proposal. The intent is to consolidate functions and reduce duplication and the federal workforce.

A group of SEMA-member manufacturers recently descended on the Chinese capitol of Beijing, for the second annual SEMA China International Auto Parts Expo (CIAPE) China Business Development Program—an intensive three days of networking and one-on-one meetings with Chinese buyers from 24 cities throughout China.

The April 2012 SEMA Middle East Business Development Program in the United Arab Emirates has now sold out. A waiting list has been started online, and those registering will be invited to participate on a space-available basis.

There are three slots left for the inaugural one-on one-meetings with buyers from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Qatar taking place April 17–20, 2012, in the UAE.

SEMA, in partnership with the U.S. Commerce Department, will provide vehicles for measuring opportunities, which is popular in key international markets but not available in the United States.

Join SEMA members traveling to the region for meetings with pre-vetted buyers from throughout the UAE , Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar in a day-long series of face-to-face meetings and networking events, April 17–20.

In a SEMA-supported development, the U.S. government announced this week that the United States and Chinese governments have agreed to include the legalization of the Chinese specialty-equipment market as part of high-level U.S.-Chinese government talks.

Secure one of the limited spots for the upcoming SEMA trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Meet with pre-vetted buyers from throughout the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar in a day-long series of one-on-one meetings and networking events, April 17–20.