FOREIGN CONSULS, N.J. BUSINESSES EXPLORE HOW PARTNERSHIP WITH STATE CAN ENHANCE INTERNATIONAL TRADE OPPORTUNITIES

CAMDEN, N.J. (June 11, 2009)– Foreign consuls and corporate business executives joined officials from the Governor’s Office of Economic Growth and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) today to learn how public- and private-sector collaboration can enhance international trade opportunities in global markets.

“We are all interconnected in this global economy,” said Jerry Zaro, chief of the Governor’s Office of Economic Growth. “Working in partnership with the Corzine Administration and EDA, New Jersey’s international business community can play an integral role in the continued economic prosperity of our state.”

Featured presenters at the information session arranged by the EDA’s International Trade Division included Domenic P. Ciancarelli, vice president of Precision Electronic Glass, Inc. of Vineland, a privately held family corporation that manufactures precision glass and quartz components and assemblies, and Patricio Assis, vice president of Nutsco, Inc., a subsidiary of Usibras, the largest Brazilian processor and exporter of cashews, which operates a state-of-the-art manufacturing and roasting facility in Camden. The two shared first-hand experiences on the partnership and impact of the state’s international trade counseling services and programs. The event was held at the EDA’s five-story, 100,000-square-foot, state-of-the art Waterfront Technology Center located along the burgeoning Camden waterfront.

“The EDA provides one-stop assistance for New Jersey companies interested in expanding their business to international markets,” said EDA Chief Executive Officer Caren S. Franzini.

“By promoting New Jersey’s exports, helping to attract new foreign direct investment, offering business advocacy services and building and maintaining relationships with the foreign diplomatic, governmental and business communities, we can assist New Jersey companies that want to grow and expand their markets beyond our border,” she said.

The EDA offers various programs to support businesses that want to expand overseas sales or identify new strategic international markets for their products and services, said Camille Sailer, EDA director of International Trade.

“We also organize and sponsor international trade missions, shows, conferences and seminars in key overseas markets where international business opportunities for New Jersey companies are greatest,” she said.

Additionally, the EDA works to identify and secure new sources of foreign direct investment into the state and supports New Jersey’s five Foreign Trade Zones located strategically throughout the state, she said.

“The EDA has always been very helpful and supportive of us as we work to develop our international business,” Ciancarelli said. “They have been a strong voice of advocacy in helping us to overcome hurdles and understand the implications of doing business in other countries.”

The EDA is a state financing and development agency that works to strengthen New Jersey’s economy by retaining and growing businesses through financial assistance, by renewing communities, and by promoting the state’s strategic advantages to attract domestic and international business.

For more information about EDA international trade activities and programs, visit www.nj.gov/njbusiness/international/services or call 1-(866) 534-7789.