Virginia to Promote International Trade and Investment at CeBIT 2001

Richmond - Representatives from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) and businesses across the Commonwealth will participate in CeBIT 2001, to be held in Hannover, Germany March 22-28. CeBIT is the world's largest trade fair for information technology and telecommunications. This show attracts over 750,000 visitors and more than 8,000 exhibitors, showcasing the latest technology from 60 countries around the world.

"Virginia is home to one of the largest concentrations of IT, telecommunications and Internet companies in the world," said VEDP Executive Director Mark R. Kilduff. "At CeBIT, Virginia will be promoted as an ideal trade partner and an excellent location for international investment."

Many of the world's largest and most technologically innovative firms have headquarters or substantial operations in the Commonwealth including: America Online, WorldCom, PSINet, Sprint, Network Solutions, Oracle, UUNET, Infineon, Gateway Computers, Cox Communications, and Hewlett Packard. High-tech exports totaled $2.1 billion in 1999. Virginia companies exhibiting at CeBIT include Managed Objects of McLean, Media Studio Incorporated of Falls Church, and Intersect Software Corporation of Sterling.

Companies interested in participating in CeBIT 2001 should contact Matthias Duys in VEDP's Northern Virginia office at (703) 689-3059 or mduys [at] yesvirginia.org. For more information on CeBIT 2001, go to www.cebit.de.

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. The Partnership is a state authority, which is governed by a 15-member Board of Directors appointed by the Governor. To accomplish its objectives of promoting economic expansion within the Commonwealth, the Partnership focuses its efforts on business development and international trade.