Port Houston held its quarterly TradeLink workshop Dec. 13 at the Conroe Regional Chamber of Commerce. The seminar was focused on Houston exports, introducing small and mid-sized regional businesses to the basics of exporting, including costs, risks, commercial transactions, finding overseas markets, trade financing, documentation and logistics.

The port started launching the TradeLink export promotion program in 2014 through a series of workshops in collaboration with partners at the United States Commercial Service and the Small Business Administration.

“We have been holding quarterly TradeLink meetings throughout Houston’s four cardinal points because we know how important balanced trade is for the economy of the U.S,” said Ricardo Arias, Trade Development Manager for Port Houston. “Thanks to the support from the entities and the speakers who participated. Many small and medium-sized enterprises that wouldn’t otherwise export have been able to gain the knowledge to branch out into foreign markets and therefore to grow their business and expand market share.”

Topics during the workshop included legal considerations of trade, logistics, business basics, marketing products, regional and local partner opportunities and resources at the Port of Houston. Executive Director Fred Welch of the Greater Conroe Economic Development Council helped provide welcoming remarks. Other participants included the Greater Houston Partnership, ACM Logistics and Consulting and Adams and Reese, LLP.

“This program is our way to continue promoting economic development as a port and help others bring their businesses to Houston,” added Arias.