Origin:

The Office of Foreign Trade (OFT) is part of the County Economic Development Agency and is the official agency and representative body for international trade, development, and foreign investment within the County of Riverside. The OFT was established by the Agency and with the consent of the County Executive Officer in 2009 in an effort to consolidate foreign trade and investment in one centralized office.

Mission:

The Office of Foreign Trade (OFT) assists business owners, corporate officers, investors, and entrepreneurs with export and import assistance with the objective of creating new jobs and investment within the county. The OFT serves as your link to developing and existing markets overseas, including our United States Export Assistance Centers, Foreign Agricultural Services,  United States Chambers of Commerce operating abroad, Unites States Commercial Service, Foreign Trade Offices, and investors from other nations interested in establishing a business  location in the County of Riverside.

The OFT is also directly responsible for government-to-government relations, as it pertains to economic development, trade, tourism, and good will building with the Organization of American States, United Nations, and all nations and governments formally recognized by the government of the United States of America. This office also exists to promote the use of the North American Free Trade Agreement, Central American Free Trade Agreement, and existing trade agreements or treaties. These treaties open markets for goods and products produced within the County of Riverside that are manufactured, or grown in Riverside County.  OFT is strategically placed within the Economic Development Agency to have direct access to the vast resources, support, and assistance from its team of highly dedicated professionals within the agency.

The Commissioner of Foreign Trade:

The Commissioner of Foreign Trade is appointed to manage the day to day operations of the Office of Foreign Trade and serves as the county and agency representative to departments of the United States Government involved in international trade and commerce. The Commissioner serves as the county and agency representative to governments of foreign countries recognized by the United States of America. The Commissioner also serves as the county and agency representative to state and local governments relating to foreign trade and investment. Duties also include working within the Diplomatic Corps and Foreign Service to foster relationships and good will with potential trading partners and trade organizations.  The Commissioner of Foreign Trade is appointed by the Assistant County Executive Officer for Economic Development and serves at the pleasure of the Assistant CEO. 

Contacting the Office of Foreign Trade:

Please contact the Office of Foreign Trade via email at OFT@rivcoeda.org