In Norfolk Wednesday, Virginia officials announced a long-term plan to increase the state’s international exports. Governor Northam called it the first ever statewide strategic plan for international trade.
Citing an ongoing trade war at the federal level, Governor Northam says it’s time for states to take matters into their own hands.
“We are prioritizing international trade and we aim to reach the 95-percent of the world’s consumers who live outside of the United States,” Northam said to a crowd at the Virginia Conference on World Trade.
State leaders already go on regular international trade missions, bringing along Virginia companies. Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Bettina Ring says part of the plan is making sure small and medium-size businesses are able to get in on that action.
“We have global partners and consultants that can help them vet certain companies to make sure they’re legitimate companies to work with and being able to provide more resources there than we have the in the past will I think make a difference,” Ring said during a phone interview Wednesday.
Ring added that businesses all over the state should benefit, but Virginia’s rural economies may have the most to gain -- they rely more heavily on exports.
According to the administration, Virginia is currently 41st in exports per capita. The goal is for Virginia to be one of the top 20 states by 2035.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.
