Global Trade in Utah

Unbeknownst to many, Utah actually has a global trade surplus with foreign trading partners. It is one of the few US states that can make such a boast. Utah also enjoys one of the largest consular corps of any state in the nation. With its pro-trade ethos and a booming economy, Utah draws foreign investment and commercial partners from around the globe.

Two consecutive global trade events.

On October 24, 2016, U.S. Translation Company attended the Utah Global Forum. The following day we attended the UVU Diplomatic Conference on International Trade Relations. Both events celebrated and attempted to consolidate Utah’s role as a United States leader in global trade.

The Utah Global Forum

The Utah Global Forum focused on helping Utah industry “export successfully, adapt to today’s global marketplace, and succeed in untapped markets.” The Forum featured powerhouse speakers, presenters, and specialty breakout sessions on various aspects of global trade. Also a networking lunch.

The event kicked off with a keynote address by Edward Luce, Chief US Columnist and Commentator for the Financial Times. On the subject of “governing in an age of populism,” Luce spoke pragmatically and insightfully about current political developments and their economic ramifications.

In another topic of interest, Natalie Gochnour spoke about Salt Lake City’s proposed inland port. Gochnour, a professor with the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, has helped produce a port feasibility study. The port, unsurprisingly, enjoys broad support among Utah industry. It would accelerate Utah’s ability to conduct global trade by establishing a customs clearinghouse in Salt Lake City. Freight containers would come by train directly to Salt Lake City, rather than being emptied at a port in Los Angeles or New Jersey. In Salt Lake City, cargo would clear customs and be distributed to any of the Western commercial centers to which Salt Lake City is so centrally located.

David Utrilla presents awards at Utah Global Forum

In his recently-acquired capacity as President of the World Trade Association of Utah, U.S. Translation Company CEO David Utrilla presented three awards at the Forum (as per our press release). WTA of Utah presented Senator Orrin Hatch, in absentia, with the International Person of the Year Award. Doterra received the International Company of the Year for its explosion in global trade. Finally, Franz Kolb, Director of Diplomacy and Protocol for the State of Utah, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Diplomatic Conference on International Trade Relations

At Utah Valley University’s Diplomatic Conference on International Trade Relations, diplomats from fourteen nations held panels and networked with conference attendees. Nations represented were Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Chile, Columbia, Mexico, New Zealand, and Peru. Attendees had the opportunity to discuss current developments in global trade, specific to representative nations.