Tired of ads? Subscribers enjoy a distraction-free reading experience.
Click here to subscribe today or Login.

PLAINS TWP. — State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski said Friday that Northeast Pennsylvania has racked up over $31 million in sales to international markets, which has led to the creation or retention of more than 125 jobs.

Pashinski, D-Wilkes-Barre, delivered the keynote address at the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance’s 2018 “Bringing the World to Northeastern Pennsylvania” summit at The Woodlands Inn.

The summit highlights the importance of international trade and the benefits to businesses in the Northeast.

“Pennsylvania has such a unique history when it comes to natural resources, manufacturing and goods and services,” Pashinski said. “With the sixth largest gross domestic product output in the United States, it’s vital that we continue to pursue international trade to strengthen our state’s economy and get greater exposure for the Pennsylvania products we’re all proud of.”

Bringing the World to Northeastern Pennsylvania allows businesses from seven counties — Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill and Wayne — to meet one-on-one with Pennsylvania’s authorized trade representatives from Australia, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Germany, India, Israel, Mexico, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom, covering 52 international markets.

Authorized trade representatives are professional business consultants, located in their respective markets, who are contracted by the state Department of Community & Economic Development, Office of International Business Development to help Pennsylvania businesses export.

Pashinski highlighted several local businesses already engaged in international trade, including A. Rifkin Co., Scent-Sations Inc., EthosGen LLC, and InterMetro, all of Wilkes-Barre, as well as CornellCookson of Mountain Top.

“It was a tremendous honor to speak at today’s summit and highlight the importance of strengthening trade with our international partners,” Pashinski said.

Authorized trade representatives met with businesses from Northeastern Pennsylvania and they discussed and reviewed information from businesses about their products and services, existing domestic and international markets, trade opportunities, problems in specific markets and the level of assistance needed to be successful.

The trade representatives also provided market intelligence and counseling to help develop a plan for additional assistance. The businesses have the opportunity to follow up on the plan and request further assistance from the representatives.

The NEPA Alliance is a regional community and economic development agency. It hosts its annual dinner Wednesday, Sept. 26, at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, Pocono Manor.

Featured speaker will be Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Dennis M. Davin.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/web1_Bringing-the-World-to-NEPA-2018.jpg.optimal.jpg

Pashinski
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/web1_Pashinski-cmyk-2.jpg.optimal.jpgPashinski

By Bill O’Boyle

[email protected]

Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.