Keynote Panel on International Trade Highlights Queens Chamber of Commerce's Annual Business Expo at CitiField

On Wednesday, June 7, business leaders from across the world gathered for the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s annual Queens Business Expo at Citi Field. Hundreds of business, government and community leaders attended the event which featured over 140 exhibitors and dozens of panel discussions with leading experts across multiple industries.
 
At the keynote luncheon panel, sponsored by The New York Daily News, attendees heard a panel discussion on the importance of international trade to Queens’ economy and the opportunities available to international businesses in Queens featuring Commissioner Edward Mermelstein from the NYC Mayor’s Office of International Affairs; Sue Ahn, Director of Market Development, American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM); David Gill, Consul General, Germany; Helena Nolan, Consul General of Ireland in New York, Martine Hébert, Delegate General of Québec in New York, Jorge Islas Lopez, Consul General, Mexico, and J. André Laveau, Consul General for Trinidad and Tobago. New York Mets legend Dwight “Doc” Gooden was on-hand to greet attendees on the exhibition floor.
 
“I am happy to participate in the Queens Chamber Business Expo and wish to express sincere gratitude to the leadership team that made it possible,” said Edward Mermelstein, Commissioner for the NYC Mayor’s Office for International Affairs. “New York City is the hub for many industries and our office actively works to attract and retain businesses to the five boroughs, including Queens. There is no better time for investing in NYC and Queens than NOW!”
 
“The enduring bonds between the US and Ireland, and with the city of New York in particular, remain as strong and significant as ever, founded on deep ancestral ties and reinforced by shared values and a commitment to excellence in global trade and investment. The US Ireland business relationship is continuing to reach record levels of growth on both sides of the Atlantic and is, increasingly, a two-way street. Chambers of Commerce play a key role in strengthening the ties that connect our two economies and business communities and I wish the Expo, and all our friends in Queens, every success,” said Helena Nolan, Consul General of Ireland in New York.
 
“This year signifies a special celebration of the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-Korea alliance, alongside the establishment of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea. As the largest and longest-established international business platform in Korea, AMCHAM consists of more than 800 member companies and affiliates that employ over 460,000 individuals across various sectors. As a strong supporter of the U.S.-Korea economic partnership, AMCHAM is accelerating the vision to position Korea as the regional headquarters of the Asia-Pacific region,” said Sue Ahn, Director of Market Development, AMCHAM Korea.
 
“Transatlantic trade is the fast moving, five-lane, two-directional Autobahn prominently visible on the map of US-trade relations,” said David Gill, Consul General, Germany.
 
“Queens' diverse economy and global connections make it an ideal partner for Québec. This partnership is important especially at a time where we are both facing supply chain and energetic transition challenges. We have a strong interest in working together to share knowledge and develop cutting-edge solutions that will benefit both our economies. I applaud the Queens Chamber of Commerce for their commitment to fostering connections and advocating for the interests of their members. Together, we can continue to strengthen trade relations and drive economic growth in the World's Borough,” said Martine Hébert, Delegate General of Québec in New York.
 
“As the Consul General of Mexico in New York, I am honored to be part of this global dialogue. With a deep-rooted presence and rich diversity, the Mexican community in Queens contributes significantly to the economic dynamic of this borough and I am confident that our bilateral trade relations will continue to thrive, bringing mutual prosperity to both Mexico and Queens,” said Jorge Islas Lopez, Consul General, Mexico.
 
“Trinidad and Tobago is ready to be that trusted and vibrant nearshore partner, as Queens becomes a technology hub,” said J. André Laveau, Consul General for Trinidad and Tobago.
 
“Our annual Queens Business Expo provides a wonderful opportunity for our members to network and hear from leading experts across a variety of industries,” said Tom Grech, President & CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “I want to thank Commissioner Mermelstein and all our panelists for a thoughtful and engaging discussion on the importance of international trade to Queens’ economy, and the importance of The World’s Borough to businesses across the globe. Our rich diversity, along with the investments made to upgrade LaGuardia and JFK Airports put Queens businesses in a unique position to access markets in every corner of the world.” 

Press release available for download, below.

06_08_23__biz_expo_post-event_draft__1_.docx
File Size:	16 kb
File Type:	docx

Download File

---