Bill Fleming

Providing international consulting services to importers and exporters across a wide variety of product and service lines, including fashion and apparel, home textiles, surgical instruments, and fine art.

Developed and implemented a comprehensive export promotion strategy to increase exports from Pakistan to the U.S., including mounting an aggressive public relations campaign to enhance the image of Pakistan as a favorable place to do business and establishing liaison with key U.S. institutions that could play a role in achieving these objectives. Organized and managed participation of delegations from Pakistan in major U.S. trade exhibitions to showcase Pakistan's highly competitive exports, particularly in the textiles and apparel sector.

Successfully launched and operated a retail store, Essence of France, specializing in imports from France.

Directed the establishment of a new international department at the largest private, university affiliated, non-profit hospital in the Western United States. Increased the number of international patients at the Medical Center by creating and implementing a business development strategy geared to meeting the special needs of these patients. Responsible for directing all administrative operations, including staff recruitment, budget/finance activities, contracting, and marketing programs. Established a new Cedars- Sinai office in Israel and developed links in telemedicine with countries in the Middle East.

Managed all aspects of a major grant-funded academic research project on the global engagement of Southern California, including planning, budgeting, selecting researchers, coordinating research efforts, conducting research, organizing out-reach study groups, conferences, and public relations activities. Identified and recruited key leaders in this region and international scholars for participation in programs and membership in the Pacific Council, the West Coast partner of the Council on Foreign Relations.

Managed the entire administrative operation of the consulate. Directly supervised a staff of six Canadian employees responsible for providing all personnel, budget and financial, and logistical support. As acting Consul General, defused serious bilateral frictions during the Pacific Salmon Crisis. Hosted six U.S. cabinet-level visits to British Columbia. Serving also as post economic officer, provided local insight to federal agencies in Washington on sensitive trade and environmental issues.

In charge of the four-person economic section during a crucial period of political and economic instability in Algeria. Maintained close liaison with host country officials to protect the interests of American firms operating in the country. Fostered continued economic reform and liberalization through high-level contacts in the government and financial sector. Managed bilateral scientific exchange programs.

Through close contacts with senior U.A.E. officials, assured that oil production remained at high levels during the Gulf War period. Provided critical logistical support to U.S. military forces operating in the U.A.E. during the war. Successfully negotiated a landmark bilateral investment treaty, as well as settlements to disputes over infringements of intellectual property rights, violations of U.S. textile quota agreements, and illegal transshipments of products manufactured from endangered species.

After completing two years of Chinese language training, assigned to the American Embassy in Beijing to monitor and report on economic reform programs, traveling extensively throughout the country. Worked closely with the American business community to improve the overall business climate for U.S. companies.

Provided the full range of trade promotion services in support of U.S. business in Korea.