Pennsylvania reps to help companies participate in the Chilean earthquake relief effort

Chile is beautiful this time of year. It is winter there and, as the summer tourism season begins in the U.S., Chilean businesses would normally be gearing up for visits from skiers looking to venture the world-renowned slopes of Patagonia. But after an earthquake ravaged the south central coast in February, many cities from Santiago to Temuco are still digging out from the damage and subsequent tsunami. To help with the reconstruction effort, the Chilean government has partnered with the U.S. private sector to offer solutions at the Rebuild Chile Expo, set to hit Santiago June 15-17.

As Chile is an active trade partner with Pennsylvania ($155 million in 2009 alone), many local business owners would love to attend. But as the financial burdens on local travel budgets may prevent making the trip, Pennsylvania’s International Business Development Office is sending representatives to deliver marketing materials and open connections for emergency relief organizations. Once targeted to provide services, Pennsylvania trade reps in Chile will conduct one-on-one discussions to identify specific needs and requirements for the companies and country.

“We are one of the only states to have a trade representative office in Chile so we have a face there, already helping Pennsylvania companies get into the Chilean market,” says PA Department of Community and Economic Development Deputy Secretary for International Business Development Wilfred Muskens. “But we wanted to take this opportunity, because of the earthquake, to assist in the reconstruction effort and open up the market there for a lot more Pennsylvania companies.”

The Philadelphia-based Consulate General of Chile and Chilean-American Chamber of Commerce have named specific products and services needed for the relief effort. Companies specializing in building products and construction equipment; telecommunications systems; energy generation and delivery products; sanitation, utilities repair and replacement; and other equipment and materials are especially encouraged to apply. More specialized service providers such as municipal planning, infrastructure needs assessment, financial modeling, and engineering and architectural services are also encouraged to participate.

The Chilean outreach plan is part of an ongoing effort to increase international trade in Pennsylvania. With target numbers for each overseas rep in the International Business Development office, salaries are based on predetermined increases in trade numbers.

“This was not part of our original work plan for Chile because, of course, we didn’t know this was going to happen,” says Muskens. “But now we know there is an immediate need in Chile for certain products and services and we want Pennsylvania companies to be aware of it and, for those that are willing and able, to grab some market share there, and at the same time, help Chile to rebuild.”

Source: Wilfred Muskens, PA International Business Development Office
Writer: John Steele