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Key Issues: Trade & Globalization The Bay Area is one of the nation’s top exporting regions, ranking second only to the New York–New Jersey metropolitan area in the value of its exports, with overseas sales exceeding all U.S. states except Texas. As a global commercial center, The Bay Area’s economic future is closely iinked to international markets. The Bay Area Council Economic Institute provides continuing analysis of the Bay Area’s role in global trade; advocates on trade issues at the regional, state and national levels; and serves as a platform for leaders in the regional and California trade service communities to jointly address trade-related issues. In addition to trade, the Bay area is globally connected through foreign direct investment, links to other technology regions, large numbers of foreign students at its universities, and a globally diverse population and that serves as an important business and cultural bridge. As the premier global center for technology and service innovation and a major center of higher education, the Bay Area powerfully shapes and is shaped by the global economy. Competing in the Global Economy At the request of the California Department of Business, Housing and Transportation, the Bay Area Economic Forum and the University of California prepared an assessment of California’s competitive position in the global ecomomy, with recommendations for how the State should develop and manage services to promote international trade and investment and assist California companies in global markets. The study will provide the foundation for a new California international trade and investment strategy that will be delivered to the Legislature in 2008.
Cross-Border Commercial Ties 
A Regional Perspective on Global Trade 
In 2003, the Bay Area Economic Forum prepared a comprehensive report to facilitate understanding of the importance of international trade to the Bay Area’s economy, and to provide an assessment of global economic conditions, pending international trade agreements, and the trade outlook for specific economic sectors of interest to the region. The 2005 revised edition of the report examines how the patterns identified in 2003 have changed. The findings suggest that Bay Area companies are, on the whole, increasing their international orientation, and that global markets are assuming greater importance in their revenue flows and business strategies.
TradePort The TradePort website, owned by the Bay Area Economic Forum and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and operated by the Monterey Bay International Trade Association, provides on-line information and support to Bay Area and California companies looking to expand their international markets. TradePort provides a how-to trade tutorial, market research, trade leads, and transactional support including trade finance and logistics. To access TradePort visit: www.tradeport.org.
California Trade Partners The Bay Area Economic Forum participates in California Trade Partners, a statewide partnership of California trade service organizations. Member organizations provide support and assistance to California and Bay Area exporters, particularly small and medium businesses, and support state government in its efforts to brand and project California overseas. Northern California members and other regional trade service partners include:
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