Pennsylvania Businesses Can Learn About Export Opportunities During 'International...

Pennsylvania Businesses Can Learn About Export Opportunities During
'International Week,' Governor Rendell Says

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania companies
interested in selling their goods and services overseas can learn about the
state resources that are available to them and network with trade
representatives from 23 nations at events to be held throughout the
commonwealth during "Pennsylvania International Week" in September, Governor
Edward G. Rendell said today.

"These events help introduce Pennsylvania companies to new markets and
potential clients," Governor Rendell said. "People will be able to meet
one-on-one with our trade representatives from around the world to learn and
discuss ways to compete in the global marketplace."

Pennsylvania International Week started as a weeklong event, but expanded to
two weeks due to its popularity. This year, it is being celebrated Sept. 8 -
23. Events will include a series of presentations, seminars and networking
events for businesses that will be held at 10 locations. At each location,
Pennsylvania's authorized trade representatives will meet with companies
seeking foreign market intelligence, agents and distributor candidates,
industry and government contacts, as well as on-the-ground assistance when
visiting these markets.

Events will be held:

Sept. 8 and Sept. 9 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh;
Sept. 10 at the Radisson Hotel, Sharon, Mercer County;
Sept. 11 at the Red Fern, Kersey (Elk County);
Sept. 12 at the Blair County Convention Center, Altoona;
Sept. 15 at the Union League, Philadelphia;
Sept. 16 at the Crowne Plaza Valley Forge, King of Prussia;
Sept. 17 at the Holiday Inn Holidome, York;
Sept. 18 at the Woodlands Inn & Resort, Wilkes-Barre;
Sept. 19 at Celebration Hall, State College; and
Sept. 22 at Iacocca Hall, Lehigh University, Bethlehem

The events will feature Pennsylvania's 23 authorized trade representatives
from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, France, India,
Israel, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore,
South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam.

"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.

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.

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.

More than 12,000 Pennsylvania firms now ship goods to foreign buyers. Top
importing countries of Pennsylvania goods and services include Canada, Mexico,
Belgium, China, and Japan.

Pennsylvania International Week is hosted by the Department of Community and
Economic Development's Office of International Business Development. Under
Governor Rendell's 2006 World Trade PA Initiative, the Office of International
Business Development expanded the program and the international representative
network to encourage exporting companies to expand and diversify their
international marketing operations. World Trade PA also bolstered the state's
efforts to attract foreign businesses to the commonwealth with new 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.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public
education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing
economic investment to support our communities and businesses.To find out more
about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter,
visit www.governor.state.pa.us

CONTACT:
Steve Weitzman (DCED)
717-783-1132

Chuck Ardo
717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

Steve Weitzman of the Department of Community and Economic Development,
+1-717-783-1132, or Chuck Ardo, of the Pennsylvania Governor's Office,
+1-717-783-1116