Overview and Mission GIC maintains a full-time staff to help plan, develop and implement strategic approaches to help access international markets for agricultural commodities. We work with local, state and federal government agencies, together with private sector companies interested in expanding the demand for high quality fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, and grains. Our services are divided into four main roles: Market Research Market Development and Promotion Export Advisory Joint Venture Marketing Agreements Market Research GIC's marketing plan is built on the basis of multi-sourced import data of target countries, evaluations of key buyers and promotional activities, competitive intelligence, as well as assessments of local economic conditions and prevailing commercial practices. We have developed our own databases, including confidential regulatory and market sensitive information. Our partners and associates provide additional on-the-ground information that is critical in finalizing marketing strategies and product launches. Market Development and Growing Market Share We map out strategies, plans, and promotions for producers, manufacturers, and retailers worldwide. GIC also leads Trade Missions, manages Trade Shows and hosts conferences to short-circuit international transactions. Export Advisory Services include originating tenders, logistics, freight negotiations, pricing, import permits, contract negotiations, closing deals, and follow-up activities. Pre-export services include our running export training programs for suppliers, trade webinars, and missions.Transactional services include: 1/ trade financing; 2/ executions and clearing; 3/ agent representation; and 4/ claims. Export Strategies Joint Venture Marketing Agreements/ Strategic Alliances GIC identifies potential partners and provides advisory services to structure appropriate agreements and working relationships. “The US Commerce Department has officially recognized the work of GIC in managing the Virginia Apple Trading Company in contribution to the success of the first year of VATC’s export operations under the Export Trading Certificate of Review Program”