International accounting and business consulting firms form partnership with leading international trade association

Two of the world's largest accounting and business consulting firms are being awarded a partnership with the American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI) to provide global cost-cutting information and strategies to multinational importers and exporters.

AAEI announced in Miami Beach that KPMG and Ernst & Young will be its partners for a new international initiative for companies planning global trade operations.

'Global trade compliance is not well developed outside the United States,' says Marianne Rowden, General Counsel (Interim Executive) of AAEI. 'Consequently, many companies use their US compliance program as their model. We will help companies understand 'how-to' strategies to leverage global trade compliance and streamline operations. Their trade professionals will see how they can lower the costs of sourcing, shipping and delivery of goods and products throughout the world.'

The AAEI global trade events will be held in cities in the United States and overseas, including Chicago, New York, the European Union and Asia, and will be offered as online webinars. Team members include Bill Methenitis, Americas Director of Ernst & Young's Customs and International Trade Division and Michael Leightman, Partner of E&Y's National Tax Division. At KPMG, the team includes KPMG Partner Douglas Zuvich, Andrew Siciliano, Partner for KPMG's Trade and Customs, and KPMG Senior Manager Alma Arabelovic.

The American Association of Exporters and Importers has been the national voice of the trade community since 1921. AAEI speaks to international trade, supply chain and customs and border protection issues covering the expanse of legal, technical and policy-driven concerns.