Food and Technology Forum in Chicago October 23, 2005 Sponsored by Chicago Midwest and The US Embassy, Cameroon. October 23 thru 30, 2005 Objectives of the Forum: The following are some of the intended objectives for the Chicago Food and Technology Forum. Meet with major players in the US grocery industry who are ready to do business with Cameroonian businesses. Provide detailed information on Private Labeling (branding) in the food industry and explain how branding can help Cameroonian importers Understand the role of export trading companies like Chicago Midwest in the buying transaction process. Understand the buying process in the global marketplace and the role of international trading facilitators. Explain the significance of contract specifications for: a. Commodities b. Household goods c. Industrial equipment Provide information on financing mechanisms (EX-IM Bank, GSM, Coface, etc) that are available to Cameroonian importers. Meet with loan application brokers. Explore investment mechanisms and opportunities Meet with US exporters of food processing and packaging equipment, both new and used, which are applicable to the Cameroonian environment. Meet with industrial equipment manufacturers for specific industrial processes that will be requested in advance. Provide information on customs certification and the role of SGS in the US. Establish working relations with SGS. Meet with Freight forwarders. Understand rates and schedules for transatlantic shipping. Attend the World Wide Food Expo, a major food exposition in North America.