DCED: Pennsylvania International Week Helps Businesses Connect with Overseas Markets, Supports Job Creation

HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the official kickoff for Pennsylvania International Week approaches, the Corbett Administration recently reported record export sales for Pennsylvania companies assisted by the state's export promotion program.

"Governor Corbett's commitment to international business development initiatives is leading to new job growth in Pennsylvania," said Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary C. Alan Walker. "This past year alone, our programs helped to facilitate more than $831 million of new export sales that resulted in the creation of nearly 6,900 new Pennsylvania jobs."

In fiscal year 2011-12, the Department of Community and Economic Development's (DCED) Center for Trade Development (CTD) worked with 284 client firms reporting more than $831 million in sales of goods and services to overseas customers. Reflecting an increase of more than $300 million from the previous year, new exports facilitated by the CTD supported the creation of 6,897 new jobs.

To further develop international business growth, companies looking to sell their goods and services overseas can participate in Pennsylvania International Week (PIW) events from Sept. 10-21.  Pennsylvania's authorized trade representatives will meet at each event with companies seeking foreign market intelligence, agents and distributor candidates, industry and government contacts, as well as provide on-the-ground assistance when companies visit these foreign markets.

"Connecting our manufacturers to global markets was recently highlighted in the Governor's Manufacturing Advisory Council report as a way to grow the industry in the state," Walker said. "PIW will help introduce our companies to new markets, potential clients and the opportunity for increased sales. New growth means new jobs for Pennsylvanians."

PIW will feature 20 authorized trade representatives from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and Vietnam.

Overall, the state boasts the largest network of international assistance in the United States, ensuring that Pennsylvania businesses have the necessary resources to compete in the ever-emerging global marketplace.

This year's events will include a series of presentations, seminars and networking events for businesses to be held at ten locations throughout the state.

The Pennsylvania International Week schedule is as follows:

• Monday, Sept. 10 in Bethlehem at the Ben Franklin Technology Center
• Tuesday, Sept. 11 in Philadelphia at the Union League
• Wednesday, Sept. 12 in Glenside at Arcadia University
• Thursday, Sept. 13 in Grantville at the Holiday Inn
• Friday, Sept. 14 in Bedford at the Bedford Elks Club
• Monday, Sept. 17 in Pittsburgh at the Chatham Center
• Tuesday, Sept. 18 in Erie at the Erie Bayfront Hotel
• Wednesday, Sept. 19 in St. Marys at the Red Fern
• Thursday, Sept. 20 in State College at the Celebration Hall
• Friday, Sept. 21 in Wilkes-Barre at the Woodlands Resort

PIW is hosted by the state's Office of International Business Development, a professional team of international economic development specialists, in partnership with its 10 Regional Export Network (REN) partners across the state, Team PA Foundation, and many other public and private sector partners in each region.

To learn more about PIW, the Office of International Business Development, or the REN partners, visit www.newPA.com/trade or call 1-866-466-3972.

Media contact: Steve Kratz, 717-783-1132

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development