South Africa weathered the recent economic downturn due to a strong government fiscal attitude with relatively low debt loads, a reliable banking system rated 6th in the world, and a growing entrepreneurial attitude toward new markets. South Africa has 35% of Africa's GDP and growth for 2010 is estimated to be at 3%, with future years returning to over 5%, as economic recovery takes hold.

Richard Zurba, Director of the Commonwealth's Trade Office in Johannesburg, South Africa will present a briefing on "Opportunities in South Africa" on July 15, from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm in the Conference Room of the Manufacturers' Association of South Central PA, 160 Roosevelt Ave in York PA.

Mr. Zurba will also be available for one-on-one meetings with companies interested in expanding their international presence into the South African market. Download the event flyer or register online.

WTC's trade specialist Melissa Stiles returned safely from her 5 week Rotary professional exchange program, which took her to Denmark and Lithuania. Six young professionals from Rotary District 7390 were selected to take part in the exchange. You can read about their adventures on their blog or check out Melissa's powerpoint presentation.

If you would like to be notified by email whenever the Denied Persons List changes, consider subscribing to the Bureau of Industry and Security - BIS Email Notification Service. Updates also include regulatory changes and changes to the BIS website.

For a participation fee of 150 Euros, the WTC Poznań will arrange qualified meetings with potential Polish partners during the Polagra Food Show, which is held September 13-16, 2010. A 10% discount applies to exhibitors at the show. Meetings will be held at the World Trade Center Poznań Conference Center, located in Pavilion 5 (first floor) of the Poznań International Fair or alternatively at the company stand.

WTC Poznań can also assist with accommodations, tourism programs and car rental and offers interpreter service (80 Euro per day) and meeting room rental at their facilties. For more information, you can download the questionnaire.

Nearly 100 members and guests attended the annual International Trade Conference on May 27. We were honored to have several foreign embassies display information about their countries alongside our local trade service providers and member companies. Dan Griswold's keynote address was very thought provoking and you may want to follow him on twitter for future updates on trade policy issues. The conference featured 16 different breakout sessions with local and national experts. A special thank you to our sponsors, Cumberland County Economic Development, MANTEC, PA Center for Trade Development and the US Commercial Service. If you have not already completed our online survey for conference participants, you can still do so by following this survey link.

On June 7, the Team PA~Southcentral Organization promoted the regional "SMART MARKET" brand to visiting PA investment representatives during a luncheon in York, which was sponsored by Shumaker Williams. WTC member Craig Trebilcock provided an overview of current immigration issues to the visitors, who promote Pennsylvania as an ideal location to foreign companies looking to expand into the North American market.

Market Access Grant applications for the new fiscal year, which starts July 1, are now being accepted. Companies with exportable products or services, and less than $40 million in total sales may be eligible to receive a $3000 matching grant, which reimburses expenses associated with new international business development activities. Download the application form and guidelines and please contact us for more information or if you have any questions.

Our annual "Bringing the World to YOU!" event will be held on September 27 in Lancaster. We are hosting 23 of Pennsylvania's overseas trade representatives for a day of one-on-one meetings. More information coming soon!