Why engage in international trade? What can exporting do for your business?
Why should your business consider exporting? In a nutshell, PROFITS.
Multi modal transportation, real time shipping documents, new trade agreements,
electronic banking and even internet sales, have made what was once an exotic
enterprise the norm for most businesses. Over 4,000 Virginia manufacturing companies
currently export $11.6 billion annually. Over 1,200 Virginia service companies
export an estimated $6.5 billion. Profits generated by those exports are substantial.
Exports generate sizeable profits even for small companies. How can exporting
help your business? Companies that export:
- Enhance domestic competitiveness
- Increase sales and profits
- Gain global market share
- Reduce dependence on domestic markets
- Exploit corporate technology and know-how
- Extend the sales potential of existing products
- Stabilize seasonal market fluctuations
- Enhance potential for corporate expansion
- Sell excess production capacity
- Gain information about foreign competition
VEDP's Division of International Trade and Investment has an array of services
and programs to help any Virginia company export for the first time or expand
their international markets. Below is a listing of the International Trade Division's
programs and services.
- One-on-One
Counseling: VEDP International Trade Managers, with extensive private
sector experience, are available to provide marketing assistance to Virginia
businesses. There are seven International Trade Managers located throughout
Virginia and five located throughout the world. To find the Trade Manager
near you click here.
- Trade
Missions: The Division of International Trade conducts international trade
missions to promote Virginia products and services in foreign markets. By
participating in these marketing opportunities, Virginia companies are introduced
to potential commercial representatives and often obtain direct sales.
- VALET
Program: The VALET Program is a proven program to assist companies throughout
the Commonwealth of Virginia as they expand their business with international
export trade. It offers a powerful combination of capital resources from the
state and professional services from private-sector partners to enhance the
international efforts of up to 15 companies per year. To date, more than 80
companies have participated in the program.
- Accessing
International Markets Program (AIM): The AIM program presents an innovative
opportunity for Virginia companies to successfully enter into the global marketplace.
The purpose of the AIM Program is to position new-to-export companies, or
companies entering a new market, to confidently face the challenges of international
sales and realize the benefits of exporting. Based on a competitive application
process, 20 companies are accepted into the one-year AIM Program each year.
For more information, visit the Export
Virginia website.
