San Fernando Valley, California, U.S.A. - Oct 24, 2003, Annie Jie Xu, Director of Buyer Service Division at the Alibaba U.S. branch office, was invited to be one of the guest speakers at the annual Southern California International Trade Conference - "Identifying Opportunities in Emerging Markets", held at Hilton Universal City & Towers in Universal City. Sponsored by the Port of Los Angeles, Los Angeles World Airports, Valley International Trade Association (VITA) and the Economic Alliance, the conference is one of the most important annual trade events in Southern California trade community.

2003 Annual Southern California International Trade Conference

Regional, national and internationally known experts on international trade participated as speakers and panelists in the conference. One timely topic of discussion is "Doing Business with Asia" in today's global marketplace. Annie Jie Xu, representing Alibaba.com, Inc., delivered a presentation about doing business with China and sourcing from China in this panel. Other panels include "Obtaining Finance and Credit,""Logistics & Supplied Chain Security," and "Doing Business in the European Union." About 300 small to medium businesses in Southern California who are either currently conducting or in the process of getting into the International trade participated this event.

Annie Jie Xu at Alibaba.com, Inc. presents at the conference.

During Annie's presentation and later at roundtable discussion session, many attendees identified themselves as Alibaba members. Among them, Mr. David Zalkind at G. Spence Design in Los Angeles happily described his successful sourcing experience using Alibaba: "Alibaba is the best business to business website out there! I am really happy with your services!" G. Spence is a design shop specializing design and produce promotional items such as buckle, key chain and other small metal products. David found Shanghai Ouma Industrial Co., Ltd. - a Gold Supplier on Alibaba.com and now he is in the process of finalizing a big purchase order with the supplier.

Alibaba Buyer member Mr. David Zalkind with Annie Jie Xu

Mr. Tony Lopez at Lopez Floral and Wholesale in Bakersfield also came forward and commented: "I come to this trade conference because Alibaba is here. There are so many great business opportunities on Alibaba. I am extremely satisfied with your marketplace."

Alibaba Buyer member Mr. Tony Lopez

At the conference, Alibaba also had a tabletop exhibition along with 40 other exhibitors, showcasing promotional materials for Alibaba "Gold Supplier"


About The Valley International Trade Association (VITA)

The Valley International Trade Association (VITA) is a non-profit association, founded in 1979, which is dedicated to assisting San Francisco Valley businesses compete in the Global Marketplace. In 1998, VITA expanded and became a full strategic partner of both the Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley and the Center for International Trade Development (CITD) with the aim of providing greater outreach to its members.