A trade association - just for you: MEXIM, the first step for minorities tackling international trade

Black Enterprise, Feb, 1995 by Nadirah Z. Sabir

If you're one of the thousands of professionals looking to step out on the entrepreneurial limb, consider the import/export business. It may sound like an intimidating stretch, but not with the Association for Minority Exporters Inc. (MEXIM) to help guide you.

Many small businesses in the United States sell products and services to corporate America. But as big business continues to downsize, the American market gets smaller. As this traditional source of business continues to shrink, the global market cries out for international traders.

The United States ranks No. 1 in both exports and imports, with 1994 exports estimated to exceed $700 billion. This is more than 10% of the gross domestic product. (Germany and Japan rank Nos. 2 and 3.) With trade agreements opening new markets south of the border and overseas, the time is right for African-American importers and exporters who can skillfully use the tools of international trade.

According to Lloyd Pilgrim-Spooner, head of the New York-based MEXIM, black entrepreneurs are in a strong position to penetrate international markets. One reason is that blacks and minorities face less constricting legislation and discrimination overseas, especially when it comes to the Caribbean, Latin America and Africa. "There are historical ties," notes the City University of New York professor of international trade and export. "These places are buying American' in the billions of dollars."

MEXIM is a complete resource for anyone looking to set up an import/ export enterprise. The association has developed a workshop series to help participants research their products; find a market niche; identify a distributor; and embark on trade missions and secure financing.

MEXIM also identifies and taps many government programs offering financial incentives in international trade. MEXIM has helped about 200 small businesses get off the ground. Many of these businesses are now selling computers to Ethiopia, for example, or importing clothes from Zimbabwe. As MEXIM members, these small-business owners are continually apprised of strategies allowing them to manipulate global business. For more information, call MEXIM at 212-673-3280.