ATDC is the first of its kind in the United States, and the center serves as the framework for providing market linkages, distribution channels, and an on-line business platform to support e-commerce transactions for Florida’s businesses currently trading or interested in trading with and /or investing in Africa. ATDC is a one stop center for shipping, trade finance, insurance and contract finalization with international bankers, onsite freight forwarders, customs brokers and trade and investment lawyers.
ATDC conducts seminars on “How to Do Business in the US” and “How to Do Business in Africa;” in addressing the business of exporting and importing. ATDC provides technical assistance in the areas of marketing, packaging, advertising, product distribution and standardization, in addition to showcasing members’ products in the Center.
ATDC Â is designed to create demand for Africa based micro, small, and medium enterprises’ (MSMEs) products in the Western Hemisphere, find distributors for US made products in Africa, and build cargo and tourism between the US and Africa, by:
- Showcasing your services and products through the ATDC and network
- Marketing and promoting South Florida as the gateway to US Africa trade and investment
- Offering training on US trade processes, and market access under AGOA
- Linking MSMEs with professional support in closing trade deals and transactions, such as, bankers, trade finance groups, freight forwarders, custom brokers, etc.
- Providing distribution support for export ready MSMEs from AGOA eligible countries
- Reducing supply chain constraints for export ready MSMEs by using the Free Trade Zone as a distribution hub
- Â Providing access to foreign exchange control information and available product financing and insurance information
Partner Program
The Africa Trade Development Center (ATDC) is dedicated to facilitating and promoting bilateral trade between the regions of Africa, United States and the Americas. Its primary mission is to provide trade development services to manufacturers, and importers and exporters of goods and services from Africa and the Americas.
ATDC works with business associations, export management companies, export and import trading companies, world trade centers, airports, seaports, local chambers of commerce and others industry specific business groups and associations to identify viable businesses in the United States, Africa that have the capacity and desire to trade, internationally.
Services Provided by the AfrICA Trade Development Center (ATDC):
- Market Development Services
- Identification of Distributors and Sale Channels
- Determination of the Best Market to sell your products and determine what type of buyers will best fit your needs and the ability to meet the supply
- Identification of buyers / sellers
- Use of the Trade/Market Research Library, conducts research in helping to provide trade information and access to the countries of Africa and the Americas
- Representation for your company and your products at targeted business events /trade shows
Benefits of Partnership with the Africa Trade Development Center
- Strong sales team that supports the development of strategic selling techniques for a particular cultural marketplace, to drive successful product placement
- Assistance in developing advertising and promotional/trade materials for your products
- Access to qualified Agents and Distributors in developing direct marketing programs partnerships, franchising, joint ventures, and licensing agreements
- Logistical in country support and access to distribution networks throughout markets in the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada
- Access to  training on trade processes, market access and other business related training by subject matter experts on topics, such as, ” Doing Business in America Seminar” for African companies and “Doing Business in Africa Seminar” for American companies
- Spend less time and money, marketing your products to the end user/marketplaceÂ
- Maximize competitiveness by reducing the cost associated with global trade (i.e., duty elimination, duty deferral and reduced insurance costs, etc.)
- Minimize the barriers associated with importing African MSME’s products under AGOA
- Receive timely and critical information about trade regulatory issues that affect your business
