I am a fan of free trade and of the smooth and steady flow of goods and services between countries and companies. As logistical solutions and supply-chain innovations reduce the headaches associated with global trade, we shall see continued shrinking of geographic distances between us in a philosophical sense. I do not at all know if the world is as of yet – ‘Flat’, as purported by Thomas L. Friedman, but it is growing smaller daily. I do recommend the services of the World Trade Center Association internationally, which comprises over 300 World Trade Centers in about 190 countries, but in effect – I think it is the wonderful opportunity association with the WTCA affords business people – in providing a means of placing you in contact with outstanding business persons from nearly every country on earth. Is that not what you want to accomplish?

I hope that you have discovered here, a means to see yourself engaged in not only discussions concerning world trade – but in the planning of business exchanges benefiting everyone. Cheers to this idea!

It is an interesting time to be involved in our field, with so many odd economic realities to deal with in our professional pathways. It will be a challenge to innovate our way through the maze before us, but, I believe strongly in the ability of the marketplace to recover and to shift appropriately with each passing event and day. I welcome your insights and expertise in sharing with me opinion pieces, specific market-sector understanding, and projections in particular. Posting of unbiased opportunities are welcomed also. I see no crime in personal gain on your part – due to your association with this information exchange. I am certainly no enemy of capitalism. However, I ask that you consider the focus of this venue overall and that you restrict non-pertinent materials SPAM is ever so tiresome. I think we would both agree. When we use common sense, and we respect one another as equal and unique individuals of value – we will all benefit from our association together.

Without restricting debate, commentary, and discussion I may regularly discuss here:

1) Student and Business Travel

2) Community Service Travel or Economic Mission Work

3) International Trade Education Programs

4) Foreign Language Immersion Programs

5) International Visitor's Services

6) Trade Missions, Trade Shows, Importing, Exporting, Foreign Direct investment

If you contribute to this forum by discussing work authored by other people please give us your useful references and give the original author credit for their work. You may be surprised at how quickly our reader group may grow, and at the number of people reading and benefiting from your contributions. I may myself, choose to follow-up on any pertinent research you bring to us in our field. I thank you in advance for your attitude of considering how your contributions will be of value to the group, and I trust that this consideration will be returned to you in full measure.  Thank you for visiting my business and educational travel forum, and for allowing me to hold this position as something of a moderator. I am expecting that you will enrich my life considerably. Don’t let this high regard of you cause you any worry or pressure… ; )

Sincerely,
Robin