ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor                              Ch. 39

(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) 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;

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

(vi) 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

(iii) Providing, in cooperation with the private sector, a listing of
potential barter and joint venture opportunities;

(3)     Coordinate its programs with the Departments of Agriculture,
Environment, and Transportation, the University System of Maryland, and other
appropriate federal, State, local, and private agencies and organizations;

[(4) Assume lead agency status with respect to the maintenance and
development of sister-state relationships;]

[(5)] (4) Encourage and facilitate regional efforts to develop local and
regional international trade programs and expertise, consistent with State efforts,
through technical assistance and use of matching grants to public or private regional
entities;

[(6)] (5) Participate, where appropriate, and in conjunction with other
units of the Department, the Department of Transportation, and any other State
agencies or departments, in Maryland overseas offices to provide informational and
marketing services to support international trade efforts of the Office;

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