RICHMOND - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s (VEDP) Division of International Trade today announced plans for a trade mission to Canada, Virginia’s top export destination. The mission will take place September 4-6, 2002. For a participation fee of $600, VEDP will provide participating firms pre-screened appointments with Canadian companies, commercial briefings on the Canadian market and assistance from VEDP International Trade Managers.
“Through international trade, the Commonwealth and its companies continue to see increased sales and continued business growth,” said Mark R. Kilduff, Executive Director of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s Division of International Trade plans more than 20 international trade missions annually to promote Virginia’s products and services in foreign markets. VEDP also hosts groups of foreign companies seeking to buy Virginia products. In 2001, Virginia’s international exports totaled $16.4 billion, with exports to Canada totaling $1.87 billion. Virginia’s top five exports to Canada include plastics, mineral fuel/oil, manmade filaments, base metals and rubber.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, a marketing organization, 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. VEDP has offices in Virginia, Germany, Hong Kong, Mexico, Brazil, Korea and Japan.
This trade mission is open to Virginia companies in all industries. All travel, hotel, food and incidental expenses are the responsibility of each participant. For more information on accompanying the VEDP to Canada, please contact Scott Kennedy at 804-371-0052.