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Velas Tours
an incoming tour operator based in Greece with 34 years experience in both, tours and holidays
velastours.com
an incoming tour operator based in Greece with 34 years experience in both, tours and holidays
velastours.com
An Export-Friendly State: Pennsylvania provides assistance to manufacturersAn Export-Friendly State: Pennsylvania provides assistance to manufacturers Pennsylvanias business booms far beyond its borders. With thousands of companies exporting goods from Pennsylvania, the commonwealth offers vital assistance to companies ready to explore exporting opportunities. With more cross-border projects than any other state, the Commonwealth is well prepared to help companies expand their business internationally or establish a presence in the U.S. “Pennsylvania maintains the largest export assistance program in the United States, helping to ensure that Pennsylvania businesses, large and small, can access the resources necessary to compete in the increasingly important and competitive global market,” Governor Rendell said. Pennsylvania is ranked as the 11th-largest exporting state, with lead export sectors that include chemicals, machinery, primary metal manufacturing, transportation equipment, and computer and electronic products. Between 2006 and 2007, the value of Pennsylvania exports jumped 10 percent, according to the World Institute for Strategic Economic Research. From 2002 to 2007, export value increased 84 percent -- from $15.8 billion in 2002 to $29.1 billion in 2007. In 2008, more than 12,000 Pennsylvania firms shipped goods to foreign buyers. Pennsylvania companies shipped $34.4 billion worth of goods in 2008, an increase of nearly 18 percent over 2007, and well above the national 11.8 percent increase among all U.S. states. In 2008, $76 million in Pennsylvania goods and services was exported to Greece alone, a 186% increase over 2007. Top export markets of Pennsylvania goods and services include Canada, Mexico, Belgium, China, and Japan. Moving goods to markets, Pennsylvanias three ports (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Erie) provide deep water, inland and Great Lakes access to Europe, South America, Asia, Africa, Australia/New Zealand, Canada and Mexico, as well as other U.S. destinations. The U.S. is the largest consumer nation in the world and 95 percent of international trade is waterborne. Pennsylvanias rail and highway systems ensure efficient delivery of goods and materials to the largest and wealthiest markets in the United States. To help Pennsylvanias exporting businesses navigate their way through the international marketplace is the Department of Community & Economic Developments Office of International Business Development (OIBD). The OIBDs Center for Trade Development (CTD) specifically works with Pennsylvania companies looking to export their products or services overseas. The CTD Regional Export Network and Global network of trade representatives can help companies evaluate their export readiness, research new markets, locate qualified buyers, find funding to start or expand exports, offer long-term assistance as exports grow. The Pennsylvania Regional Export Network contact in Philadelphia is Dino Ramos at the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTC-GP); contact information is: (215) 586-4246 and e-mail: dramos@wtcphila.org. The WTC-GP is located at Two Penn Center, 1500 John F. Kennedy Boulevard in Philadelphia. Pennsylvanias network of authorized trade representatives are located in 24 countries and cover more than 50 markets. These representatives provide in-country assistance and market intelligence, identify overseas partners for Pennsylvania companies, and support in-country trade initiatives. In addition to its authorized trade representatives, the OIBDs Center for Direct Investment also has a network of 13 authorized investment representatives which cover 21 markets and attract international companies to Pennsylvania. Working closely with local government and economic development partners, the investment representative offices are committed to eliminating the barriers that foreign companies might encounter in investing, expanding and operating a business in Pennsylvania. Providing one-on-one business assistance to international companies has proven successful in the attraction and retention of global world-class businesses including those in the biotechnology, life sciences, alternative energy, plastics, and defense industries. Pennsylvania International Week is an annual event designed specifically for Pennsylvanias smaller and mid-sized companies to allow businesses to meet one-on-one with trade representatives from around the world to discuss ways in which Pennsylvanias businesses can successfully compete in the global marketplace. The event provides a forum in each of Pennsylvanias ten export network regions, including Pennsylvanias Southeast and Philadelphia region, to introduce companies to new markets and potential clients in various countries. The next Pennsylvania International Week is scheduled for September 2010. Started as a weeklong event, Pennsylvania International Week expanded to two weeks due to its popularity. It includes a series of presentations, seminars and networking events held at multiple locations throughout Pennsylvania. The trade representatives from 24 countries provide market research for products/services, conduct agent/distributor searches, conduct foreign company background checks and provide industry contacts. Pennsylvania International Week is hosted by the states Office of International Business Development, a professional team of international economic development specialists. The group has implemented a number of strategies and initiatives to remove the barriers of international trade including World Trade PA, which works to attract businesses to the commonwealth with new foreign direct investment and jobs. To learn more about Pennsylvania International Week, the Office of International Business Development or World Trade PA, visit www.newPA.com or call 1-866-466-3972. – final-
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