Malden - United Commercial Bank (UCB), in collaboration with the Office of Malden Mayor Richard C. Howard, U.S. Export Assistance Center and the Massachusetts Export Center, last week hosted the 2007 UCB Trade Finance Seminar Thursday afternoon at the Malden Public Library’s Ryder Gallery.

The seminar, called “Trade Expansion Beyond Massachusetts,” aimed to share important information and resources that are vital to the success of export business in the North Shore of Massachusetts. 

“I am proud to partner with United Commercial Bank,” said Mayor Howard. “Malden is a city of opportunities. We are committed to help our constituents to expand their businesses beyond the region.” 

“Exports are of vital importance to the state'’ economy and businesses. Massachusetts companies exported over $24 billion in goods last year alone. We hope this seminar can help even more Massachusetts businesses reach overseas markets,” said Paula L. Murphy, Director of Massachusetts Export Center.

An estimated 60 persons attended the event. These included representatives from a broad array of industries, such as financial institutions, high-technology manufacturers and export consultants.  “Companies in Malden and other areas of the U.S. have access to resources that can assist them with exporting their products and services abroad,” said James Paul, International Trade Specialist for the U.S. Commercial Service office in Boston. “Whether these firms seek to expand their business overseas for the first time or further penetrate existing markets, there are services available from learning about opportunities to locating potential buyers and distributors.”

“When it comes to export financing, our goal is to assist U.S. exporters by providing them working capital loans guaranteed by the Export-Import Bank of the U.S.,” said Angela H. Mah, Vice President of UCB. “This event is a great networking opportunity with industry experts as well as successful exporters who are eager to share their knowledge.”

For more information about export financing, contact Angela Mah, vice president for retail banking from United Commercial Bank, at (617) 695-0710 or via e-mail at Angela.Mah@Unitedcb.com.  Visit www.ibankunited.com for more information.