Q: What is the WTCGP "Trade with Emerging Eastern European Markets Program" (Emerging Markets Program)?

A: The primary goal for the WTCGP Trade with Emerging Eastern European Markets Program, funded in part by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development, is to increase the number of companies in Southeastern Pennsylvania that are participating in international trade with emerging markets. The WTCGP will implement the Emerging Markets Program in five stages: participant selection, market research, education and training, trade missions and trade shows, and follow-up.

Q: Who is eligible to participate in the WTCGP Emerging Markets Program?

A: Small and medium-sized Pennsylvania companies in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. All potential participating companies undergo an export readiness assessment. Companies eligible for the program must have both commitment to pursue international markets, as well as products appropriate for export trade to the emerging markets.

Q: What industries does the WTCGP Emerging Markets Program focus on?

A: Our targeted industries are:

• Automotive manufacturing & spare parts

• Construction & equipment

• Defense

• Distilled spirits

• Electrical power systems

• Environment

• Foreign direct investment

• Franchising

• Industrial machines & parts

• IT sector

• Medical equipment

• Organic food & agriculture

    • Packaging equipment, especially in the field of food

• Pharmaceuticals

• Safety and security

• Telecommunications equipment

• Textiles & machinery

Q: How can I participate in the Program?
A: The WTCGP is seeking a minimum of 15 companies to participate in the Program. These businesses are to be chosen through an export-readiness assessment process. If your company, located in the five county Philadelphia region, is seeking new business opportunities in emerging Eastern European markets and would like to be considered for the WTCGP Emerging Markets Program or join us at one of our trade missions, please contact Andrea Townrow.

Q: How will companies benefit from the WTCGP Emerging Markets Program?

A: With the assistance of the WTCGP, the participating companies will select the best markets for their products through customized research and in-country support. Working together, the leadership group and participating companies will explore competitive products, customization requirements, pricing, target market size, entry strategy, market barriers and other factors that will impact their success in the targeted region. A comprehensive training program will educate Emerging Markets Program participants on legal issues, transportation, documentation, methods of payment, website readiness, managing a distribution network, cultural and language differences, and more. Because success in a foreign marketplace largely depends upon first hand experience, the WTCGP will help participating companies to prepare for trade missions, trade shows, as well as meetings with potential trading partners in Eastern Europe.

Q: What services can the WTCGP offer to the participating companies as part of this Program?

A: As part of the Emerging Markets Program, the WTCGP can offer the following services to the participating companies:

• Education and customized round-table seminars

• Export training workshops

• International business lead generation

• International partners/distributors search

• International trade one-on-one consulting

• Market entry strategies

• Market research on emerging Eastern European markets

• Professional international follow-up to encourage increased sales

• Trade missions to Eastern Europe

• Trade shows in Eastern Europe