Virginia Economic Development Partnership - International Trade Division

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Recognized as one of the most innovative state programs in the nation, VEDP's Division of International Trade provides international business expertise to promote Virginia's products and services in world markets. Export counseling, marketing assistance, educational seminars, international market information, and market planning programs are typical of the services provided to Virginia businesses that are interested in pursuing foreign sales opportunities.

Virginia based International Trade Managers, are the first point of contact for Virginia companies. They are strategically positioned across the state to meet one-on-one with companies to assess their individual needs. The Trade Managers provide various services to clients including counseling and market intelligence which helps them to prepare an export plan of action.

These export plans include general market research. The VEDP has a comprehensive collection of publications, reports and periodicals pertaining to international trade. As issues arise in your day-to-day export efforts, your local Trade Manager can help you access resources in the Richmond Info-center.

The export plans also include, introductions to potential distributors and counseling from our overseas offices. The VEDP-IT has offices in Hong Kong, Mexico, Brazil, Korea and Japan, and a network of consultants throughout the world . Each overseas office is staffed by native international business professionals who work on behalf of Virginia companies to expand their business in the region.

One-on-One Marketing & Consulting

VEDP International Trade Managers, with extensive private sector experience, are available to provide consultations and marketing assistance to Virginia businesses.

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Certificates of Free Sale

VEDP now offers Certificates of Free Sale for Virginia manufacturers.

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Trade Missions

The Division of International Trade plans multiple international trade missions to promote Virginia products and services in foreign markets. The VEDP also hosts foreign trade delegations and arranges meetings between Virginia firms and these potential foreign buyers. Click on the Events tab to see what events we have scheduled.

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Global Network

VEDP clients may access the markets of Europe through the specialized, in-country expertise of the new Global Network. Market entry assistance is available, upon request, in twenty five different countries.

Services provided by the VEDP European Network are available upon request. Global markets are now more accessible than ever – we invite you to make the most of this new and innovative international trade resource. To learn more about our European Network services, contact your local VEDP Trade Manager today!

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Ready, AIM, Export!!

The AIM Program will assist companies from around Virginia that are ready to actively pursue sales in a target market overseas. The one-year, competitive program, which started in late 2005, assists 20 firms per year. Our AIM Overview Presentation offers more details about the program.

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VALET Program

The VALET program is essentially a two-year export boot camp. It is open to 15 Virginia businesses annually, with firmly established domestic operations that are committed to expansion through international sales. Virginia companies who meet minimum requirements may prefer the more focused in-depth approach that the VALET program offers. They will definitely benefit from in-depth planning, program partner assistance and networking with peers.

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International InfoCenter

The VEDP has a comprehensive collection of publications, reports and periodicals pertaining to international trade. As issues arise in your day-to-day export efforts, your local Trade Manager can help you access resources in the Richmond Info-center. The InfoCenter can be reached by e-mail at contacting our Client Services Manager.

TRADE RESOURCES

-- World Trade Atlas: U.S. and state specific statistical trade data based on Shippers Export Declaration Data. Search by Harmonized Tariff Schedule Codes to identify top destinations or by country to identify top import products.

-- PIERS: Ocean-freight shipping database based on ocean bill of lading. Search import/export information by port, by company name and by industry sector.

-- U.S. Government Websites and Reports: In-depth country and industry reports published by various trade related U.S. government agencies. Determine tariff rates, review market access issues, obtain information on U.S. denied person lists, view export license requirements, review best prospects in a given market, view State Department travel warnings and link to consulates and embassies around the globe.

-- UN Development Business: Current UN project updates, procurement and award notices and other data that help in identifying business opportunities, such as World Development index and GDP rankings.

---Trade Journals, Books and Periodicals: Export America, The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Journal of Commerce, Concensus Forecasts, and Kiss Bow or Shake Hands: How to do Business in Sixty Countries.

-- CultureGrams: Directory of information on cultures, customs and mores by country

--Harris Selectory: Detailed profiles of Virginia companies

--KOMPASS and Hoover Directories: Worldwide company profiles by industry

--INTERDATA: Lists distributors, reps and agents, importers by industry and country

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Check out any of the Country Facts documents in our library. Adobe^® Reader^® is required to view these documents.

Show us your innovation in action around the world! Click here for more information on how to enter your Virginia product in the 2009 Beyond Virginia Calendar Contest.