Alliance to shape state's international trade policy

by Heather B. Hayes
for Virginia Business
August 2007

Wanted: Virginia companies, capable of competing globally, that would like to have a hand in shaping state trade policy. That's what members of the new Virginia International Trade Alliance (VITAL) get to do when they sign up.

VITAL is a coalition of Virginia businesses whose task is coming up with Virginia's international strategy. The immediate goal for those participating is to prepare a report to the governor on key issues affecting Virginia's international trade position and advice on how to improve it.

VITAL was created in response to Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's economic development strategic plan. It calls for a coordinated effort in international marketing to increase Virginia's exports by 7 percent by 2010 and to boost foreign direct investment in the state by $300 million per year.

To join the organization, each business contributes $1,607 (a figure that represents the year Jamestown was founded and Virginia became a member of the international trade community).

"How often does the private sector get invited to make recommendations to improve the state's strategic policy and activities in their own profession?" asks Paul Grossman, director of international trade and investment for the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), which along with the Virginia Port Authority will assist and support the new organization. "So here's an opportunity for Virginia companies to help themselves prosper in the global economy."

Grossman says each member must be willing to share ideas and participate in one of 10 task forces devoted to key international issues such as trade with China, global logistics, and mergers and acquisitions. "It really will act a lot like a trade association, so like-minded companies and professionals will be able to talk about common issues and learn what others are doing and work together to address common concerns," Grossman says.

He expects VITAL to evolve over the years. "This is not a one-time study process to produce a report," he says. "We fully anticipate and plan to build VITAL so that it is strong, growing and relevant three years, five years, 10 years from now and into the long-term future."