In this subtitle, “Office” means the Office of International Trade.

There is an Office of International Trade in the Department. The purpose of the Office is to promote the development of international business activities and opportunities in the State.

The Office may enter into contracts or make grants: consistent with this subtitle; and subject to the approval of the Secretary or the Secretary’s designee. Procurement by the Office for services to be performed or supplies to be delivered outside the State shall be consistent with, but not subject to, Division II of the State Finance and Procurement Article.

With special emphasis on exports, the Office shall encourage businesses in the State to increase international trade activities by: channeling trade leads and providing a list of prescreened foreign intermediaries; providing informational and consultative services on the international trade process, including: market research and selection; marketing techniques and risks; foreign trade laws; and the availability of private or public financing; developing publications to facilitate the exchange of information on products and services between businesses in the State and foreign businesses; initiating and organizing foreign trade missions to and from foreign countries and participating in trade fairs, in cooperation with local governments and the private sector; establishing an outreach program for small-sized and medium-sized businesses that have export potential to provide counseling and to use experienced private-sector exporters and other qualified persons; and assisting, as appropriate, with acquisition of export-related financing through the Maryland Industrial Development Financing Authority and federal, local, or private programs.

The Office shall encourage and facilitate participation by businesses in the State in barter, counter trade, and joint venture transactions, as appropriate, by: providing informational and consultative services, including the necessary components and laws involved in these transactions; facilitating the commercial relationship between Maryland businesses in the State and counterpart foreign businesses involved in these transactions; and providing, in cooperation with the private sector, a listing of potential barter and joint venture opportunities.

The Office shall coordinate its programs with the State Department of Agriculture, the Department of the Environment, the State Department of Transportation, the University System of Maryland, other appropriate federal, State, and local units, and private organizations. In overseas offices of the State, and with other State units, the Office shall participate, as appropriate, in providing informational and marketing services to support international trade efforts of the Office.

The Office shall encourage and facilitate regional efforts to develop local and regional international trade programs and expertise, consistent with other State efforts, through: technical assistance; and matching grants to public or private regional entities. The Office shall encourage the location of new international industrial or commercial enterprises in the State, in cooperation with local governments and other entities.

The Office shall engage in any other activity reasonably necessary to achieve the purposes of this subtitle.