SEC is reaching international buyers and end users through its new YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaA_XXfjf4PfZvW--6w8rrg. The channel features SEC and member videos including lumber grading tutorials and other educational and promotional videos.
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In 2016, SEC partnered with the Cochran Fellowship Program to host groups from Egypt, Pakistan, & Peru, utilizing other FAS funds outside our core MAP and FMD programs. The Cochran Fellowship Program provides short-term training opportunities to agricultural professionals from middle income countries, emerging markets, & emerging democracies. Cochran fellows come to the United States, generally for 2-3 weeks, to work with U.S. universities, government agencies and private companies. They receive hands-on training to enhance their technical knowledge and skills in areas related to agricultural trade, agribusiness development, management, policy and marketing.  Bob Lewis gives the Pakistan group a tour of Columbia Vista mill Of these three groups, Pakistan is currently the largest market and the best immediate opportunity for U.S. softwood products. Pakistani demand for wood products has increased significantly in recent years, reaching 370,000 cubic meters in 2015. U.S. exports to this market are strong, reaching record levels and growing at an average annual rate of 47%. Pakistan has become the seventh largest market for U.S. softwoods and has set themselves up to be a major distributor in the Middle East region.
Cochran’s assistance in Peru was also invaluable, and with their financial assistance SEC prepared the most extensive educational programming to date, equipping the ten Peruvian representatives with knowledge about U.S. domestic and international lumber standards and codes: their development, testing, and compliance. Participants also attended the Greenbuild International Conference, with options for multiple seminars and walking tours centered around safety and sustainability. The technical information offered during this Cochran program allowed the Peruvians the knowledge to advocate for U.S. softwoods within their home country, potentially opening Peru’s building codes to include U.S. structural grades.
If your association is interested in hosting delegates from a specific emerging market, please let SEC know, as we have the ability to request market partnerships from Cochran administrators. |
