Pennsylvania Becoming a Major Player in International Trade

Pennsylvania Becoming a Major Player in International Trade

7/28/2006 - Pennsylvania leapfrogged over five other states last year in the volume of goods exported throughout the world. Where we once trailed New Jersey and Massachusetts, we now have surpassed them and we have bested other states like Indiana, Georgia and Tennessee.

In terms of dollars, according to the federal government, Pennsylvania companies increased exports by $4 billion in 2005 to $22.3 billion. That's a 20-percent increase in total exports. And, since 2002, Pennsylvania has enjoyed the largest rise in exports among U.S. states at 41 percent. We now rank ninth among states in the total dollar value of exports, up from 14th last year.

This is positive news for our companies as well as our working men and women, and shows the strength of our improving economy.

The good news on exports goes hand-in-hand with June employment numbers that show a new record high of 5.75 million jobs, bringing to 125,000 the number of new jobs reported since I took office. We have outpaced virtually all other states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions in job growth during.

The jump in exports is a testament to the investments we are making to help our businesses remain competitive and make sure we have a highly-skilled and trained workforce.

With my new World Trade PA initiative, we will open more doors for Pennsylvania companies so future increases and results will be even more impressive. We will help companies of all sizes thrive in today's global market and become a driving and competitive force in international trade and investment.

World Trade PA will increase the commonwealth's share of trade in foreign markets, stimulate new foreign direct investment in Pennsylvania to secure and create jobs and capital and it will leverage our extensive network of overseas university graduates to help promote new business opportunities everywhere.

My Office of International Business Development, which is a part of the Department of Community and Economic Development, will play a lead role in ensuring the success of World Trade PA and, more importantly, delivering success for our exporters. OIBD already uses the resources and in-country knowledge of some 22 trade and investment representatives around the world to help our businesses enter and compete in global markets.

The competition to sell more goods and services abroad is intense. Pennsylvania companies need our support so they can find the new markets that are waiting to buy their products. World Trade PA will further boost our exporters and give them the foothold they need to grow and provide quality jobs for our hardworking men and women.

A $4 billion gain in exports means our businesses and people are working even harder to sell outstanding Pennsylvania products around the globe. And, our World Trade PA initiative can elevate our exporting performance even more. We have a lot of competition among states for exports and World Trade PA can provide a powerful assist to our businesses so they continue to grow and reach out to new and expanding markets.

Soon, more of the world will know about Pennsylvania, its excellent workforce and the quality goods and services it produces and sells.

Sincerely,
Edward G. Rendell

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