Ch. 3.11

LAWS OF MARYLAND

(b) In furtherance of the purpose set forth in subsection
(a) of this section, the Office of International Trade shall:

(1)  Encourage Maryland businesses to increase
international trade activities, with special emphasis on exports,
by:

(i) Providing informational and consultative
services on the international trade process including, but not
limited to, market research and selection, marketing techniques
and risks, foreign trade laws and regulations, and the
availability of private or public financing;                             

(ii) Developing publications to facilitate the
exchange of product and services information between Maryland
businesses and foreign businesses;

(iii) In cooperation with local government and
the private sector, initiating and organizing trade missions to
and from foreign countries and participation in trade fairs;

(iv) Serving as a clearinghouse for seminars
and conferences being offered by the public and private sectors
and providing programs to supplement existing educational
offerings;

(v) Establishing an outreach program to small
and medium sized businesses with export potential that provides
counseling and that utilizes experienced private sector exporters
and other qualified individuals;

(vi) Assisting, where appropriate, in obtaining
export related financing through the Maryland Industrial
Development Financing Authority and other federal, local, or
private programs; and

(vii) Channeling trade leads and providing a
list of prescreened foreign intermediaries[.];

(2)  Encourage and facilitate the participation by
Maryland businesses in barter and counter trade transactions and
joint venture transactions, where appropriate, by:

(i) Providing informational and consultative
services on, but not limited to, the necessary components, laws,
and regulations involved in these transactions;

(ii) Facilitating the commercial relationship
between the Maryland business and counterpart foreign business
involved in these transactions; and                                   

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