Dr. Ray Bowman and Simona Racek Participate in APEC 2023 First Senior Officials’ Meeting
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) government officials and invited guests from international organizations, intergovernmental organizations, academia, and the private sector recently convened in Palm Springs, California for the First Senior Officials’ Meeting. Dr. Ray Bowman, Director of the Economic Development Collaborative’s Small Business Development Center (EDC SBDC), and Simona Racek, Trade Specialist with EDC SBDC, were invited by the Office of the United States Trade Representative to attend and present in two workshops that discussed accelerating the digitalization of trade.
“APEC is addressing the need for open dialogue and informed global policy around the increasing digitalization of our lives, including discussing rights for people and businesses in a digital world. We are delighted to have participated in these important workshops and contributed to the discussions on digital trade policy and supply chain connectivity,” said Dr. Bowman. “SBDC is committed to supporting the growth and success of small businesses in the region, and these workshops provided valuable insights and opportunities for collaboration.”
Dr. Ray Bowman (left) and Ms. Simona Racek (right) with Ms. Leah Liston (middle), Director Customs & Trade Affairs, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, United States.
Dr. Ray Bowman and Ms. Simona Racek presenting on February 21, 2023. (From left to right: Ms. Ann Katsiak, Chief of Party, US-Support for Economic Growth in Asia (US-SEGA); Mr. Khalil Gharbieh, Trade Policy Counsel, Microsoft; Ms. Simona Racek, EDC SBDC Trade Specialist; Dr. Ray Bowman, EDC SBDC Director; and Mr. Jose Blandon, Senior Trade Policy Advisor and Head of the Research and Analytics Unit, Services Trade Policy Division, Global Affairs Canada)
Dr. Bowman and Ms. Racek actively participated in all sessions of the first workshop, “Implementing APEC’s Framework for Supply Chain Connectivity,” on February 18, 2023. They also took part in the Breakout Session, where they worked with other participants to identify concrete interventions that could make digitalization more efficient and supply chains more predictable and resilient.
Dr. Bowman and Ms. Racek presented in Session 4 of the “APEC Digital Trade Policy Dialogue” workshop held on February 21, 2023. The session focused on enhancing the use of data for economic and non-economic outcomes and explored opportunities for small to medium-sized enterprises, as well as the skills required for a future-ready workforce. The speakers covered emerging topics such as re-skilling and up-skilling, digital literacy, and inclusion.
“Digitalizing trade is our chance to humanize the trading system and empower small businesses globally, so they can benefit from a cheaper, simpler, faster, inclusive and sustainable system,” said Ms. Racek.
For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact the EDC’s Communications & Marketing Manager, Tracie Schneider, at Tracie@edcollaborative.com.
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About Economic Development Collaborative
A private nonprofit, the Economic Development Collaborative was founded in 1996 with funding from the County of Ventura, the 10 cities in the county and key private-sector companies to provide a pathway to business growth, economic prosperity and high quality of life for all.
Today, in partnership with the Small Business Development Center, the EDC is a regional asset for economic vitality in Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties, giving businesses, community partners and civic leaders the resources they need to succeed. By leveraging public and private funds, the EDC has become a key player in delivering business consulting, funding and strategic initiatives that support the region.
About APEC
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is a regional economic forum consisting of 21 member economies aimed at promoting balanced, inclusive, sustainable, innovative, and secure growth in the Asia-Pacific region. The United States is hosting “APEC 2023” this year with a focus on promoting sustainable and inclusive growth in the Asia-Pacific region through public-private collaboration. More than 100 meetings and workshops have been scheduled to deepen engagement between member economies.
About SBDC
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network provides no-cost assistance to small businesses and entrepreneurs. SBDC services include consulting, training and resources to help businesses start, grow and succeed. The Ventura and Santa Barbara County SBDC is hosted by the Economic Development Collaborative and is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
