Trade Center of the Americas
Our Approach and Philosophy
Our Approach
Why the Midwest and the Americas?
The Trade Center of the Americas strives to connect supply and demand between North, Central, and South America. In total, the nations of the Americas have a combined population of over a billion people divided amongst 23 different sovereign nations. Unified by our general respect for democracy and political stability, the Americas represent the ideal transcontinental trade-bloc for international business. As part of the United States, Minnesota has access to the plethora of international trade deals with various nations from across the Americas. The USMCA (formerly NAFTA) and the United States-Chile Free Trade agreement (among other international treaties) have made importing and exporting goods between the countries of the Americas exceptionally profitable compared to trade between the United States and other regions of the world.
Minnesota shipped an impressive $22.2 billion dollars worth of goods internationally in just 2019, with Latin America becoming an increasingly important trade partner. Notably, for example, Costa Rica’s total export value to Minnesota doubled between 2016 to 2019 and Mexico has been Minnesota’s second-largest trade partner for over a decade.
Minnesota's socially-conscious and dynamic business culture makes the state a logical choice to host the Trade Center of the Americas. With one of the highest standards of living, lowest poverty rates, relatively low rent prices, and a business-friendly tax structure, Minnesota is the ideal place for small businesses to grow and for startups and entrepreneurs to thrive. Minnesota’s business-friendly and community values inherently promote startups and business ventures interested in pursuing conscientious social-impact endeavors. Remarkably, a majority of the 17 Fortune 500 Companies based in the Twin Cities area have incorporated the United Nation’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) into their respective business models. In short, Minnesota has taken the lead in supporting entrepreneurs and startups interested in making an impact.
Minnesota and the Americas
We promote the region's resources and corporate responsible practices
throughout the Americas, through trade.
Our Philosophy and Sustainable Development
The Trade Center of the Americas believes that the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are central in carrying out our mission of improving trade across North, Central and South America and providing economic opportunities for communities of color, indigenous and women-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small to medium sized businesses. Given this mission, we have selected 5 SDGs to focus our efforts on. The services that we provide are part of a comprehensive effort encompassing the business, cultural, and technical components of international trade on a micro-scale.
Our Model for an Inclusive and Sustainable Economy
What is Sustainable Development?
Sustainability means meeting the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainability has three pillars: economic development, social development, and environmental protection.
Why is sustainable development important?
There are 17 SDGs that were adopted by ALL the United Nations Member States in 2015. It’s a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The SDGs are integrated and recognize that action in one area affects outcomes in others. Through the pledge to LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND, member countries (including the US), have committed to fast-track progress for those who are the furthest behind.
How does sustainability accelerate business growth?
Sustainability is more than just a corporate buzzword. In fact, research shows that sustainable business often translates into higher profits and wider customer appeal! Sustainable development has to do with achieving the triple bottom line: people, planet, and profit. According to SDG Compass, companies can use the SDGs as an overarching framework to shape, steer, communicate and report their strategies, goals, and activities, allowing them to capitalize on a range of benefits such as:
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Identifying future business opportunities
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Reaping the economic benefits from becoming more efficient
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Strengthening stakeholder relations and keeping the pace with policy developments
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Stabilizing markets and societies
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Using a common language and shared purpose