Nonprofit website to aid would-be exporters

The Hawaii Pacific Export Council, one of 56 Export Councils nationwide, has launched a website designed to help Hawaii businesses looking to export their products and services internationally — among the many efforts being made to leverage Hawaii’s role as host of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings this November.

The nonprofit, whose volunteer advisers mentor other business owners in trade and export issues, has been around for years serving as a resource to local businesses interested in breaking into the international market, whether it’s selling a product, landing a distribution deal or lining up an overseas manufacturer.

The website will aggregate news on export topics, information on upcoming trade events, export resources for businesses, and will feature APEC-related activities open to local companies. Those hungry for more information on APEC or related topics should find it in this one place. Moreover, the council says it will soon roll out a training program also, called “Export University,” to help train local companies how to develop an international business strategy and find buyers worldwide.

“The goal of both the website and Export University is to provide useful resources for companies wanting to expand and export from Hawaii,” said John Holman, the council’s executive secretary and director of the Hawaii Export Assistance Center.