Thursday, April 19, 3:30-4:30 pm. Help Plan International Programs: Attend the International Committee meeting, Chamber Boardroom, to plan the Chamber's International activities and receive expert updates on current international  business issues. Topics will include delegation visits, trade mission and World Trade Month events. RSVP to 415-352-8801 International Program   International Program helping you to promote your business globally.... Program Overview The San Francisco Bay Area is one of the world's leading regional economies and centers for international commerce. The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce and the members of its international committees play a pivotal role in this community by promoting the area and its businesses locally, nationally and internationally. These executives bring years of experience and extensive contacts worldwide to Chamber members and the San Francisco Bay Area as a whole.       Membersip with the Chamber provides a visibility opportunity for those members who are currently conducting business on a global basis, as well as those who are exploring that possibility. San Francisco has more than 70 foreign consulates and trade offices working to support trade with local companies. The Chamber's member-driven International program works closely with other area leaders and organizations to expand the global reach of San Francisco's business community. International Committees Asia-Pacific: presents programs and activities focused on recent development in the Asia- Pacific region; fosters business introductions and interactions between local firms and Asian- based companies; works with incoming and outgoing trade delegations between the Bay Area and Asia. Going Global: organizes a series of 90-minute international business briefings throughout the year, designed to provide useful and practical business tools that will aid companies going global; programs combine informative briefings with terrific networking opportunities. International Access: a forum for direct interaction between local companies and visiting dignitaries and trade delegations in an informal roundtable format. Steering: composed exclusively of Chamber board members, oversees development and implementation of the Chamber's international activities.   Chamber supports Bay Area - Hong Kong Trade Links On February 22, 2001, the Chamber hosted a roundtable discussion between Committee members, Bay Area trade agencies and the Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Mr. Peter Woo, to discuss closer collaboration to facilitate trade between our regions. Topics ranged from links up to the expanded HKTDC web-based services to more industry specific market data needed by companies here in San Francisco. Mr. Woo gave a very forthright update on the Hong Kong economy and its changing role within the Greater China market. He emphasized HK role as base through which you expand your business to Asia - supported by the key advantages in reliable telecommunications and air service, plus excellent banking and trade service expertise, backed by competitive tax advantages. He also responded to queries regarding ecommerce with an assertion that the web is just a starting point for trade not a solution. He argued that most companies, especially small to mid-sized firms, must be given additional support from the agencies such as the TDC, Chamber or other organizations to facilitate their entry to the global market. We of course agree and will continue to provide our assistance through the excellent service referral network of the Chamber members and international organizations such as the TDC.