Hofstra University’s Frank G. Zarb School of Business has entered into an agreement with the U.S. Commercial Service, a branch of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, pledging to encourage small and medium sized businesses to increase commercial exports. In conjunction with the Commercial Service, Zarb will set up education programs for businesses that will emphasize the potential benefit of exporting to overseas markets.
As a strategic partner, Zarb will take a key role in the Obama Administration’s National Export Initiative (NEI). Announced in 2010, the initiative’s goal is to double U.S. exports by late 2014. By helping smaller businesses sell more goods and services to previously unreachable or unknown foreign markets, the partnership intends to strengthen domestic business and aid domestic job creation. In 2012, U.S. exports hit an all-time high of $2.2 trillion.
Zarb also hopes the partnership will benefit students and faculty, who can leverage this new network of business partners in their learning and research. After signing the agreement, Zarb Den Patrick Socci commented that “Our partnership with the U.S. Commercial Service, the trade promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce is the perfect fit, as we share in a parallel vision and continuously reach across borders to provide diversity and a comprehensive educational experience to our students.”