Governor Corbett to Lead International Jobs Mission in 2013 to Expand Economic Opportunities for Pennsylvania

Business Development Mission to be Supported by Private Sector Funds

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett will lead a delegation of Pennsylvania business, tourism and university leaders on a business development mission to Brazil and Chile next spring that will focus on creating new economic opportunities and job growth.

"Brazil and Chile are two of the world's fastest growing economies and we have seen a growing interest in the market from Pennsylvania companies," Corbett said. "Strengthening our trade relationship with these countries will lead to new business growth and jobs for Pennsylvanians."

As part of the Governor's Jobs First initiative, the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) is organizing the April 2013 jobs mission to Brazil and Chile in partnership with Team Pennsylvania Foundation. The trip will be paid for through private funding.

The mission will concentrate on growing the Pennsylvania economy and creating jobs through:

• promoting our export market,
• attracting foreign investment,
• promoting Pennsylvania's world class port system to increase traffic,
• international student recruitment and
• promoting Pennsylvania as a top destination for tourism. 

"I am committed to creating an economic climate that positions Pennsylvania to compete for jobs in the U.S. and throughout the world," Corbett said.  "As the chief executive of the world's 20th largest economy, I am leading this delegation to help open new opportunities for job growth."

Brazil's economy is currently the seventh largest in the world and the top economy in South America with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $2.08 trillion in 2011. Chile is the fifth largest economy in South America with a GDP of $212.7 billion.

Together, Brazil and Chile are Pennsylvania's seventh largest export destination and recently, there has been an upward trend in exports to both countries. This past year alone, Pennsylvania's Office of International Business Development has experienced an increase in activity from its trade clients in both markets.

In March 2012, Corbett led a business development mission to France and Germany. Over the course of six days, the delegation participated in meetings, seminars, events and business-to-business appointments. As a result, seven trade agreements are already under consideration and an estimated $1.25 million in new export sales have been generated.

Additionally, the mission generated 16 new investment leads and 10 active projects that have the potential to create more than 580 new jobs.

• Hydrotechnik signed a lease in Sewickley, Allegheny County and expects to begin operations in mid-November. This project will result in 15 new jobs.
• ANSYS will open a new 186,000 square-foot facility in the fourth quarter of 2014 and has committed to creating 180 new jobs in three years.
• Alstom Grid, an electrical grid management company, announced they are moving its U.S. headquarters from Washington D.C. to Philadelphia.
• B. Braun announced its continued expansion in the Lehigh Valley, opening a Central Admixture Pharmacy services facility that will employ 70 people.

To learn more about how businesses can participate, contact Linda Gardner, International Program Manager at DCED, by email at [email protected] or by calling 717-214-5306.

For more information about Governor Corbett's commitment to job creation and economic growth, visit www.pa.gov.

Media contacts:
Kelli Roberts, Governor's Office; 717-783-1116
Steve Kratz, DCED; 717-783-1132

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor