Coastal Strategies

Since 1988
Call us at (813) 391- 0302


International Business Development & Real Estate Investment           Tampa, Florida USA & Panama City, Panama
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Exporting
Why Export?

Exporting provides profitability, stability and longevity for our clients. Statistics show that those firms that expand internationally are 15% more profitable than their competition. They are also more stable due to the diversity of markets; while domestic markets are down, various international markets may be up; especially in today's volatile global marketplace. This synergy lends to longevity as well.

Are there more hurdles to cross? Yes, but remember, even after the additional costs, international firms are 15% more profitable. What are some of these issues and where do you begin to deal with them? You should start with market intelligence research to see where the best opportunities exist for your particular goods and/or services. Once identified, a Strategic Business Development Plan should be drafted to establish the issues and your best options to pursue the targeted opportunities. 

Major factors can include trade agreements. Consider the opportunities in Costa Rica. In 2010 the US and Costa Rica initiated the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). This opened entire industries in Costa Rica to privatization; including telecom and energy. These, as well as the ports, airports and other infrastructure projects amount to Billions in public tenders open to US contractors to fulfill as primes or subs. 

Now Panama and Colombia are initiating a FTA with us, and will open yet more incredible opportunities!

Whether we work with a client individually or as a member of a trade mission, we take special care to understand the unique needs of each of our clients to design custom solutions that exceed expectations.





International Business Development

Our client, a national franchise with success domestically since 1925, wanted to go international. We provided global Market Intelligence Research, and used the data to draft a Strategic Business Development Plan. Our approach was adopted by the CEO as the new corporate model for franchise expansion. Upon client approval, we led the implementation of the Plan through the opening of their first international office in Costa Rica. We followed this corporate milestone with a trade mission to Costa Rica, including a briefing at the US Embassy and Official Reception at the Official Residency of the US Ambassador.



Our client's testimonial

"United Country Real Estate was founded in 1925 in Kansas City, Missouri. United Country has over 600 offices in the United States, Costa Rica and Panama. We are the nation's largest integrated real estate and auction company, rated the number one global real estate franchise by Dun & Bradstreet.

When the decision was made to award our first franchise outside the United States, it was essential to develop a successful, well-prepared strategy. Our first target market was Costa Rica. We choose Stephen Toner to research and draft our international marketing strategy. Upon acceptance of the strategy by the Dan Duffy, CEO & Board of Directors, Mr. Toner proceeded to enact the strategy 
and identify prospective strategic partners as well as potential franchisees. Our CEO, Mr. Toner and
 I travelled to Costa Rica to personally interview and establish a United Country presence. Due to Mr. Toner’s succinct and professional strategy, we now have two affiliated brokers in the country.

I am pleased to highly recommend Mr. Toner for creating business strategies for international development."

Joe Karpinski, Executive Vice President
United Country Real Estate



International Business Development (Costa Rica July-August, 2009)

Our client, RMI Worldwide, LLC, participated in our trade mission to Costa Rica to expand their business into that market.



Our client's testimonial

“As a small highway contractor specializing in Concrete Rubblization looking to expand internationally,… I expressed my concern to Steve Toner (of Coastal Strategies), the trade mission organizer. Steve said, I understand your concern, but let me work on this for you. Steve worked diligently upon our behalf, contacting …the US Embassy in Costa Rica with our potential highway general contractor meeting wish list while in Costa Rica. Not only were they successful in having two of Costa Rica’s largest highway general contractors present at a reception held for the Trade Mission attendees at the Ambassador’s residence, they also arranged for the Vice Minister of Transportation of Costa Rica, Dr. Pedro Castro, to be there. Based upon my conversation with the Vice Minister at that reception, we believe we have possibility of looking at over one million dollars worth of work specifically for us within the next 12-18 months. The odds of our getting this face-to-face meeting with the Vice Minister of Transportation without Steve’s help probably would not be good. Thanks Steve, we owe you one!”

Scott Marshall, Chief Financial Officer RMI Worldwide, LLC, D/B/A Resonant Machines Kansas City, 
MO 64111

 _____________________________________________________________________________


International Business Development 2009

 Our client, Mr. Kevin Dorsey, Entrepreneur, participated in our trade mission to Costa Rica to explore his business opportunities in that market.



Our client's testimonial

“Thanks for all the hard work you spent on the Costa Rica Trade Mission. It was a great experience and a fun group of people. The Embassy briefing was the best part. This was a very professionally planned and executed mission”. 

Kevin Dorsey, Entrepreneur




Government Relations/International Trade Mission to US Embassy in Paris, France

Our client, Mr. Joseph McFarland, Esq., performed international legal services and desired to make new contacts in France. He participated in our of our trade missions to do so.



Our client's testimonial 

“A note of thanks for you and your staff for the hard work in making the trade mission such a success…I was particularly impressed by the attention we received at the briefing and reception at the US Embassy in Paris.” 

J.P. McFarland, P.A., Attorney (client on trade mission)




International Programs

Our client, the World Trade Center/Tampa Bay, needed to build their brand name in this marketplace; we did so with international trade missions and monthly international programs. Involved government agencies included the US Commerce Department, FBI, NASA, US Export Import Bank, Enterprise Florida, Tampa Port Authority, Congressmen, Mayor of Tampa, MacDill Central Command, University of South Florida, etc.



Our client's testimonial

"I have worked with Mr. Toner for almost four years in connection with our efforts to publicize and grow the World Trade Center of Tampa Bay. The World Trade Center is the Tampa Bay branch of a 285 member worldwide organization devoted to promoting the aspects of world trade and commerce through a seven part program which includes trade missions, education courses, membership development, receptions and conferences featuring world business and political leaders.

Mr. Toner has served as Operating Chief of the non-for-profit corporation, which holds the valuable World Trade center franchise. Throughout our involvement together he has been tireless and creative director and has given us entree into the highest circles of political and business endeavor in the Tampa Bay area. I feel that I can recommend Mr. Toner without reservation."

Sincerely,
A. Bronson Thayer, Chairman
World Trade Center/Tampa Bay


Commercial Briefing for our Trade Mission Delegates on location
US Ambassador, Peter Brennan (2nd from left) at His Official Residence, Welcomed Trade Mission Delegates in Costa Rica
Costa Rica former President Oscar Arias met with two of our Trade Mission Delegates. 
US Embassy in Costa Rica; Trade Mission 
Delegates posed after Commercial Briefing.
Consul General of Montreal, Canada met with Trade Mission at Official Residence
US Embassy in Paris, France; Reception for Trade Mission Delegates; the 1st after 9/11
Montreal, Canada Mayor welcomed Trade Mission Delegates; Mayor of Tampa, Dick Greco signed Official Register
Our client; UCRE, National Franchise of US, opened their 1st and 2nd international offices in Costa Rica!
US Concrete Company was introduced to contacts in Costa Rica to export his products
World Trade Center Association Founder Guy Tozzoli hosted global members in New York on a cruise under the Statue of Liberty.
Real Estate Investors consider developments planned for the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica
Professionals at the US Embassy provide US Department of Commerce Programs to assist with exporting and related business services.
Trade Mission Delegates with Montreal Mayor and Tampa Mayor Dick Greco


What are Trade Missions?

Trade missions typically involve taking 15 to 20 companies into another country to penetrate that market and establish strategic partnerships for promoting goods and services, set distribution channels, close direct sales and/or capitalize on investment opportunities. There are many aspects to trade missions that can be customized for each participant to assist firms in reaching their business development goals: 

1. Market research and identification of industry prospects.

2. Pre-mission seminars and briefings regarding the destination country's culture, language, currency, and business etiquette. In addition, relevant travel information should be considered regarding political stability, safety and health concerns, etc. 

3. Travel logistics including: airline discounts, hotel discounts, ground logistics, dining, etc. 

4. Briefing in destination city by the US Department of Commerce regarding the current business climate, opportunities and unique aspects of doing business in that country.

5. Trade show booth if mission is held in conjunction with a trade show. 

6. Trade show/conference seminars or round table discussions arranged as an integral part of the mission to introduce the host city's businesses to your products and services.

7. Trade show/conference receptions held on-site, hosted for participants to invite new prospects met at the show to be our guests for the opportunity to discuss your business.

8. Formal receptions held at the homes of US officials such as the Ambassador or the Consul General for our delegate participants to meet key dignitaries and industry leaders.

9. Scheduled appointments with prospective: buyers, distributors, strategic partners.

10. Utilization of government (Florida, US and target country) programs. 

11. Meetings with trade groups and high-level officials. 

12. Media coverage on participant achievements (upon request). 

13. Commercial/industrial tours. 

14. Optional cultural tours. 

15. Optional entertainment tours. 



Costa Rica President Laura Chinchilla's visit during the Trade Mission
We now offer special exporting services to the most recent Free Trade Agreement (FTA) countries of Costa Rica, Colombia - and Panama through PanEx Partners (see www.PanExPartners.com ).
Our PanEx Business Center in Panama City
Through our partnership in PanEx Partners, LLC, we provide a turnkey export operation in Panama, which includes services as well as facilities; our PanEx Business Center. It is located just outside Panama City, Panama. The facilities include office, warehouse, and storage yard. 

PanEx Business Center facilities include:
  • Office
  • Warehouse
  • Secured Storage Yard for Tractor Trailer Containers

These facilities are available on short term leases, and include all necessary amenities to start business on day one, including:
  • electrical / lighting / air conditioning
  • water and utilities
  • internet via wifi
  • security 
  • trucks for local transports.

The PanEx Business Center is located just 10 miles northeast of Panama City, and 24 miles to Colon on the opposite coast. Location advantages include:
  • located on major new highway
  • a shopping center is located across the highway
  • close proximity to major cities and the Panama Canal.

Services include: 
  • market research 
  • strategic planning
  • real estate brokerage 
  • insurance 
  • government relations and 
  • customs and related export services. 

Our relationships and communications are provided in all four languages used in Panama; English, Spanish, Portuguese and Italian, to streamline the process and minimize clients' efforts to have their business operating there as expeditiously as possible!

Exports through expanded Panama Canal 
New Free Trade Agreement is expected to dramatically increase exports to Panama; canal shot not far from our PanEx Business Center in Panama.
Acting Ambassador to Costa Rica, Peter Brennan, welcomed our Trade Mission at his Official Residence.


AES Filing
Export info must be filed electronically thru the Automated Export System (AES) or you may be subject to penalties.

Advocacy Center
The Advocacy Center ensures that sales of US products and services have the best chance competing abroad. 

ATA Carnet
The ATA Carnet is an international customs document that allows the temporary entry of goods duty-free and tax-free. It is accepted by 75 countries 

CAFTA-DR
CAFTA-DR is the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement, includes, but not limited to Panama, Colombia and Costa Rica.

CE Mark Countries
CE Mark applies to 32 countries. 

Certificate of Origin
Not all countries require a Certification of Origin (CO). Also, some COs are prepared by the exporter and some are prepared by the importer. 

Containerization or Containerized Cargo 
A system of freight transport based on a range of steel intermodal containers (also 'shipping containers', 'ISO containers' etc). Containers are built to standardized dimensions, and can be loaded and unloaded, stacked, transported efficiently over long distances, and transferred from one mode of transport to another—container ships, rail, and semi-trailer trucks without being opened, to greatly reduced transport costs in international trade.ontainerization or Containerized Cargo is a system of freight transport based on a range of steel intermodal containers (also 'shipping containers', 'ISO containers' etc). Containers are built to standardized dimensions, and can be loaded and unloaded, stacked, transported efficiently over long distances, and transferred from one mode of transport to another—container ships, rail, and semi-trailer trucks without being opened, to greatly reduced transport costs in international trade.

C-TPAT (Trade Partner Against Terrorism)
Requires the trade company participant to document and validate their supply chain security procedures in relation to existing Customs and Border Control (CBP) C-TPAT criteria.

Customs 
An agency of the government in a country responsible for collecting and safeguarding the flow of goods including animals, transports, personal effects and hazardous items in and out of a country.

ECCN
If your product fits an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN), then it may need a license. 

E-Commerce
Selling goods and services internationally thru online transactions; usually via company web sites. 

Export Business Plan
Having an export plan is a good step and it is required if you need financial assistance. 

Export Control Reform
Presidential initiative that counters threats & proliferation of weapons of mass destruction thru controlling certain exports. 

Export Documentation
A listing of common export documents.

Export License
Some transactions require a license, most exports do not. 

Export Regulations
Some countries have standards that you should be aware of and that you need to comply with in order to sell your products there.

Free Trade Agreements (FTA)
FTAs are agreements between two or more countries to reduce trade barriers, increase trade and investment, and enhance the rule of law.

Free Trade Zone (FTZ) or export processing zone (EPZ) , also called foreign-trade zone, formerly free port is an area within which goods may be landed, handled, manufactured or reconfigured, and reexported without the intervention of the customs authorities. Only when the goods are moved to consumers within the country in which the zone is located do they become subject to the prevailing customs duties.

Freight Forwarders
Freight forwarders are agents for the exporter who can move cargo from “dock-to-door.” They also can provide other, additional services.

Fumigation Certificate
A fumigation certification provides evidence of the fumigation of exported goods. 

HS Tariff Classification Number
HS Classification Numbers and Schedule B Numbers are different. The Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS) of tariff and nomenclature is an internationally standardized system of names and numbers for classifying traded products developed and maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO).

Incoterms
International Commercial Terms are a series of sales terms commonly used in international transactions 

International Company Profile
Credit checks are available on potential international partners. 
International Finance
Finance programs are available to help you with working capital, financing international buyers, etc. 

International Logistics
International logistics includes packing, labeling, documentation, insurance, shipping, etc.

International Trade Data System (ITDS) 
Supports federal agencies with missions tied to import and export security, regulation, and/or analysis as they prepare for, integrate their business requirements into, deploy and sustain U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). 

NAFTA
North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) - As of 1/1/08 all tariffs and quotas were eliminated on exports to Mexico and Canada under NATFA.

National Export Initiative (NEI)
Presidential initiative to doubling exports by the end of 2014, supporting millions of jobs.

Preference Criterion
There are six preference criterion for qualifying for a NAFTA tariff rate 

Shippers Export Declaration (SED)
SEDs should no longer be filed. All export information must be filed electronically with AESDirect or you may be subject to penalties. 

Tariff Rates By Country
Different countries have different tariff (import / export tax) rates. 

Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee (TPCC)
The TPCC includes the 20 federal trade agencies with 7 core agencies.

Trade Missions
See below! 

        Panama City, Panama
Export terms and phrases; for more information contact us at your convenience.
   International Trade Missions = Effective Business Development! 
Client Testimonials for Export Projects