San Fernando Valley, California, U.S.A. - Oct 22, 2004, Annie Jie Xu, Director of Marketing and Business Development at the Alibaba’s U.S. office, was invited to be a panelist at the 7th Annual Southern California International Trade Conference - "Business Growth Opportunities in the Global Marketplace", held at Hilton Universal City & Towers in Universal City. This annual event is sponsored by the Port of Los Angeles, Los Angeles World Airports, Valley International Trade Association (VITA) and the Economic Alliance.

2004 7^th Annual Southern California International Trade Conference

During the roundtable discussion session, Annie exchanged ideas and thoughts with conference participants on the topic of Expanding Business with Technology. The discussion focused on how the Internet and online marketplaces can help SMEs do business more cost effectively. The roundtable session was also an opportunity to network and to discuss government resources related to technology for global business.

Roundtable session

Regional, national and internationally re-knowned experts on international trade participated as speakers and panelists in the conference. One timely topic of discussion was "Opportunities in Emerging & Growth Markets in China". Annie Jie Xu, representing Alibaba.com, Inc., delivered a presentation about where to find business opportunities within China. The panel attendees were captivated about how Alibaba can help their businesses. Other panelists spoke about business opportunities in India and Mexico.

Annie’s presentation- “Opportunities in Emerging & Growth Markets”

At the conference, Alibaba also showcased our promotional materials.

Alibaba’s tabletop exhibition

The conference also invited the honorable James K. Hahn, Mayor of the City of Los Angeles, to deliver the closing speech. In his speech, Mayor Hahn indicated how international trade influences the City of Los Angeles. Mayor Hahn dedicated his leadership in Los Angeles to efforts to reduce crime, creating jobs and housing, and improving neighborhoods.

Mayor Hahn’s final speech at the conference

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.