PRESS RELEASE
WORLD TRADE MONTH: ATLANTA BLACK CHAMBER’S GLOBAL OPPORTUNITY COMMITTEE ADVOCATES FOR INCLUSIVE & INTEGRATED GLOBAL TRADE
ATLANTA, GA – MAY 24, 2024. As the world celebrates Global Trade Month in May 2024, the Global Opportunity Committee (GOC) of the Atlanta Black Chambers (ABC) calls for more inclusive global trade. This year’s theme, ‘A New Path Forward,’ underscores the resilience of American businesses, which achieved record-high exports and narrowed trade deficits in 2023 despite a sluggish global economy.
Ricardo Berrís, Chairman of the GOC, emphasized that while the US’s record-high exports are commendable, proactive strategies are necessary for Black-owned businesses to fully participate in the global economy. “From Angola to Zimbabwe, in Asia, the Caribbean, and here in the US, Black-owned businesses, particularly Micro, Small, and Medium Size Enterprises (MSMEs) in underserved communities, are integral to global trade and must be recognized and supported,” said Berrís.
He highlighted the low volume of Black business exports, at 0.008% according to the 2022 US Census, and called on policymakers to create an inclusive business environment. “Global trade is imperative in the fight against poverty,” he stated.
Berrís urged Black-owned businesses to embrace the ‘One Hand Washes the Other Campaign,’ promoting mutually beneficial trade relations between Black businesses in the US and Black communities worldwide. “Reciprocal trade is necessary to promote Black-owned businesses around the world,” he added.
Melvin M. Coleman, President & CEO of the ABC, noted the transformative power of global trade. “The Atlanta Black Chambers, situated in the heart of Black excellence in Atlanta, established the GOC to identify international opportunities for our members,” he said.
“We eagerly anticipate hosting over 3,000 Black-owned businesses in October 2024 for the GO Conference. We envision a Global Opportunities Week in Atlanta to focus on the importance of trade in our communities.”
“Black-owned businesses worldwide must seize this opportunity to rewrite the narrative about our communities. We must increase trade among ourselves, ensuring our products and services are prominent globally.”
Signed:
Samuel O. Adeyemi
Communication Lead
Global Opportunity Committee
Atlanta Black Chambers
