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The Saint Vincent College Small Business Development Center’s Center for Global Competitiveness (CGC) hosted a recent 10-day trade mission to China to increase exporting opportunities for Pennsylvania companies interested in the rapidly expanding Chinese marketplace. Nine southwestern Pennsylvania firms participated in the trade mission in May that visited five major cities in China. The mission was co-sponsored by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC). The trade delegation visited five of China’s largest and more progressive urban centers: Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, Qingdao and Zibo. Representatives of Pennsylvania companies participated in pre-scheduled, one-on-one business meetings coordinated by the Saint Vincent College center. The companies also benefited from the assistance of representatives of the Pennsylvania Overseas Office located in Beijing. "Based on feedback received from the trade delegation companies, this mission has to be considered an unqualified success,” noted CGC Executive Director James Kunkel, who led the trade mission. "Our companies repeatedly referenced the one-on-one meetings. For example, a local company met with buyers representing the largest truck manufacturing company in China." A variety of Pennsylvania companies from diverse industry sectors was represented on the mission. Some of the industries included machining and fabrication, grinding machines and parts, automotive accessories, specialty steel alloys, commercial pneumatic tools, hardwoods, promotional materials and an industrial design firm. "The meetings were particularly useful in helping our Pennsylvania firms better understand the complexities of the Chinese marketplace,” Mr. Kunkel said. "China is an important trading partner for Pennsylvania. With the growing middle class, there is more discretionary income to be spent so now they are willing, able and eager to buy. In 2005, Pennsylvania exported $933 million worth of products and services to China. The role of the CGC is to help companies interested in tapping this amazing market opportunity." Also impressive on this visit was the enthusiastic and courteous welcome the group experienced by officials throughout the country. Since returning, one company, Alle-Kiski Industries, an Allegheny Township based machining and fabricating company, has already begun partnering with two Chinese companies as a result of meetings held in China. "It was a fascinating experience, not only from a business perspective, but from a cultural perspective as well. With their industrial growth and bartering marketplaces I rarely sensed I was in a communist country. They’re an enterprising people who impressed me tremendously with their entrepreneurial spirit and global vision,” President of AKI, Kevin Hartford stated. A detailed report on the China Trade mission is being developed by the CGC. Those who would like more information on the China trade mission or who would like to receive international trade assistance from the CGC may contact the Saint Vincent College Small Business Development Center at 724-537-4572.
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