The adage “Think Globally, Act Locally” sounds compelling, but it really only works for large, transnational enterprises – until recently. 

Today, businesses that are locally rooted or limited scale can now reach global markets with the advent of new digital platforms that take products from all over the world and make them available to buyers everywhere, even in traditionally tough markets to access – like Japan, South Korea, and China.

The global trade scene is messier today than years ago – a pandemic is creating unforeseen challenges, sanctions are back, the WTO is wobbly, trade deals are coming undone and being redone. But the fact is that global trade is still thriving in many sectors. While nations may be squabbling, young and small businesses  are finding ways to deliver their products to consumers. As COVID-19 continues to impact our health and finances, global trade will play a critical role in international recovery. 

The Hill will convene policy stakeholders in the U.S. trade and export scene, business owners, entrepreneurs and association groups to discuss how exports still matter, how the rising middle class around the world is a vital market for American goods and services providers and how during a pandemic, new tech platforms are giving these enterprises a leg up into new global market opportunities.