Section 4.1-01-08.1 - International business and trade office - Advisory board - Continuing appropriation1. The commissioner shall administer the international business and trade office. The purpose of the office is to assist North Dakota businesses to expand exports to international markets by:a. Advocating for exporters;b. Offering export educational opportunities to North Dakota businesses;c. Researching and raising awareness of export opportunities, issues, and challenges impacting North Dakota businesses;d. Assisting North Dakota businesses in identifying, developing, and cultivating international markets for products; ande. Organizing and carrying out trade missions that seek to facilitate contact and communication between North Dakota businesses and international markets.2. The commissioner may designate a nonprofit corporation incorporated in this state which has the primary purpose of assisting North Dakota exporters or contract with a third party for the provision of services for the international business and trade office. If the commissioner designates a nonprofit corporation or contracts with a third party under this subsection, all data and databases collected and created by the third party in performing services for the office are the property of the department and the third party.3. The commissioner may seek and accept any gift, grant, or donation of funds, property, services, or other assistance from public or private sources for the purpose of furthering the objectives of the international business and trade office. Any funds accepted under this subsection are appropriated to the commissioner on a continuing basis.4. The commissioner may establish an international business and trade office advisory board with whom the commissioner may consult in administering the international business and trade office. Each member of the advisory board is entitled to receive per diem compensation at a rate established by the director not exceeding sixty-two dollars and fifty cents and reimbursement of expenses as provided by law for state officers, while attending meetings or performing duties directly related to board membership, except that per diem compensation under this section may not be paid to any member who receives compensation or salary as a regular state employee or official.Added by S.L. 2021, ch. 46 (SB 2018),§ 10, eff. 7/1/2021.