Pennsylvania has the most robust trade network in the nation, thanks in part to Team PA and their support of the state’s trade promotion programs.

In 1997, Team PA provided the seed funding for the Department of Community and Economic Development’s (DCED) Office of International Business Development (OIBD) to establish international trade and investment offices around the globe.

Pennsylvania employs a two-pronged approach to international assistance: the Center for Trade Development provides export development assistance through local and overseas offices, while the Center for Direct Investment promotes PA to an international audience through a network of global investment representatives.

PA's 20 Authorized Trade Representives attend Bringing the World to PA for one-on-one appointments with regional companies. Photo courtesy of NEPA.

Last fiscal year, the Center for Trade Development initiated assistance with 268 new companies, and supported 1,272 companies in total.  This enabled the program to surpass the half-billion dollar mark for the first time, bringing in a total of $526 million in supported export sales for the year.

The Center for Direct Investment worked on 149 international investment projects in the last fiscal year.  They successfully closed 20 investment projects, generating $159 million in capital investment, and also hosted 79 site visits across the commonwealth.

Overall, the combined programs supported $685 million in export sales and direct investment.  This is an impressive 9% increase over the previous year, and represents $66 million in tax revenue for the state.

Recently, Team PA strengthened their partnership with OIBD by hiring an International Initiatives Manager to oversee the development of an International Business Advisory Board, increase private sector support, and facilitate communications between network partners.

As part of its work with OIBD, Team PA is funding a trade mission in March 2012 with Governor Corbett, representatives of state government and industry officials to France and Germany.

For more details on the trade mission, click here to view our event flyer.

Learn how your business can expand its market share and reach an international audience by visiting www.newpa.com.

To get started with localized trade support and assistance, find your Regional Export Network partner.