Virginia Economic Development Partnership Announces New International Trade Web Site

Division of International Trade More Accessible to Exporting Companies

Richmond - The Division of International Trade Development at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) has launched a new informational web site, making it easier for Virginia businesses to find practical information about exporting from the Commonwealth to countries around the world. This new site will serve as an important resource for Virginia companies that are currently selling into foreign markets or interested in selling overseas for the first time. Users can access the site at www.exportvirginia.org.

This interactive web site gives users the opportunity to explore the benefits of international sales. The ability to chat on-line with trade managers from VEDP’s foreign offices, search various informational databases, and access an extensive list of international trade related web sites can help prospective exporters find specific information in a timely manner.

"This new web site is an excellent resource for Virginia companies looking to expand into new international markets," said Mark R. Kilduff, Executive Director of the Partnership. "Our organization is pleased to support and implement the recommendations in Governor Gilmore’s The Virginia Strategy by increasing emphasis on international trade."

The web site includes many services to assist the current or prospective exporter:

Events Listing- A regularly updated list of future events related to exporting. 
Foreign Offices- Chat rooms to communicate with personnel on location at VEDP’s international offices in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Frankfurt and Mexico City. 

Trade Leads- A searchable database of trade leads, which includes links to web sites containing such leads. 

Trade Links- An extensive list of international trade web sites. 

Exporters Directory- A searchable database of all the companies in Virginia which have registered with VEDP as a company interested in exporting. This database includes information about contacting the company, as well as product information. 

Exporters Library- An on-line library, which contains Division of International Trade publications that can be downloaded and printed. 

Exporters Assistance- Contains a list of "frequently asked questions," with answers and links to related web sites. 

In addition, the web site allows users to self-register an organization for inclusion in the Exporters Directory and access contact information for Division of International Trade personnel.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1995 to encourage, stimulate, and support the development and expansion of the economy of the Commonwealth. VEDP’s Division of International Trade Development is charged with assisting Virginia companies that wish to expand their exports into international markets. VEDP’s primary web site is located at www.yesvirginia.org.

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