Greater Des Moines Regional Export Plan
Recognizing a need for greater diversification of Central Iowa’s economy to remain competitive in the changing global landscape, area business leaders announced key strategies to leverage overseas markets with an aggressive metro export initiative.
Key objectives of the plan are to expand export reach and performance by:
- Increasing the number of identified exporters by 10 percent (45) over five years.
- Increasing the number of export markets for local companies by 10 percent (19 new markets) over five years.
- Increasing service sector exports with a focus on financial services and higher education.
- Increasing exports by twice the rate of growth of the state’s GDP by 2019.
A copy of the full report, Greater Des Moines Regional Export Plan – Metro Export Initiative, is available at here.
China Cultural Exploration Tour
The Greater Des Moines Partnership will host a memorable nine-day journey to China, October 13-21 2013. This is a cost effective opportunity for the business community to become familiar with some of the leading cities in China, and to experience their centuries old customs and history while witnessing first-hand their rapidly changing economy and their expanding role in the global marketplace. We invite you to join us for this unique immersion in Chinese culture.
Click here for more information on the trip. Go to www.trendwatching.com/briefing to see brands and innovations from China that are going global.
Frequently Asked Questions
China Cultural Exploration Tour: Industry Tours, Optional Tours, and Restaurants
A View From China: Helen Zhu
Chief equity strategist, Global Investment Research for Goldman Sachs, discusses China’s economic outlook for 2012 and 2013, and issues the country is focused on for long-term growth.
Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ)
The Greater Des Moines Partnership manages Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) #107, which is conveniently located on Iowa Interstate 35/80, about 14 miles from the Des Moines International Airport. The FTZ allows certain types of merchandise to be imported, repackaged, assembled with other components, and then exported without having to go through formal customs entry procedures or incurring import duties. The Partnership also assists Iowa companies establish on site FTZ sub zones. For more information about FTZ, view the fact sheet or the webinar.
Certificates of Origin
The Greater Des Moines Partnership assists Central Iowa exporters with Certificates of Origins (COO). A COO is a document that is required by certain foreign countries for tariff purposes, certifying the country of origin of specified goods. A COO is usually prepared by the exporter or the freight forwarder, notarized, and attested to by a local Chamber of Commerce. eCertify is the Partnership’s electronic system for processing Certificates of Origin. To get started with eCertify, we ask that you create a user profile for your company. Companies with existing profiles in eCertify can get started here. For more information on the Partnership’s COO services, contact Beth Barker.
eCertify step-by-step instructions
eCertify flyer
Port Des Moines
Port Des Moines Central Iowa’s virtual inland port, offers informational assistance in transporting goods to, from, and through Central Iowa by providing a one-stop shop for freight-related information.
Port of Entry
The Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is the only Port of Entry located in Iowa. As a Port of Entry, DSM has on-site U.S. Customs and U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors. A new customs facility has recently been completed for the convenience of shippers and travelers.
Greater Des Moines Sister City Commission
The Greater Des Moines Sister City Commission initiates business, cultural, educational, and social exchanges between our citizens and those of our sister cities. For more information visit the Greater Des Moines Sister City Commission website.
Doing Business in Brazil – presentations from the Brazil Forum (May 2011)
