Governor Kaine to be Keynote Speaker at 58th Virginia Conference on World Trade

RICHMOND - Did you know that in the past decade, U.S. exports and imports have increased by $321 billion and $930 billion respectively?

Join exporters, importers and other service providers for roundtable discussions leading to the establishment of Virginia’s first international strategy. Attendees will also help in “Creating Virginia’s International Future,” the focus of the 58th Virginia Conference on World Trade. Sponsored by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) and the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, the conference will be held October 3-4 at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center in Roanoke. Governor Tim Kaine will discuss Virginia’s current international trade capabilities in various sectors as well as his ideas for the Commonwealth’s strategic plan. Representatives from the United Nations, Norfolk Southern, MeadWestvaco, Maersk and Northrop Grumman will present industry perspectives, as well as suggestions for future improvement.

“Collaboration with individuals from all areas of international expertise to create Virginia’s first international strategy is a milestone,” said Paul Grossman, VEDP International Trade and Investment Director. “As we prepare to celebrate Virginia’s 400th anniversary in 2007, it is vital to know Virginia’s place in global commerce in the decade ahead.”

This year, the conference is co-hosted by VEDP and the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. For more information about the conference or to register online, visit www.vacwt.org.

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 21-member board of directors appointed by the Governor and the Virginia General Assembly. To accomplish its objectives of promoting economic expansion, the Partnership focuses its efforts on business recruitment, expansion and international trade. VEDP has offices in Virginia, Germany, Hong Kong, Mexico, Brazil, Korea and Japan.