Export Assistance
A number of foreign environmental, energy, and infrastructure markets are expected to grow at rates faster than the U.S. domestic market. Export and international contracts are opportunities for U.S. environmental companies and technology developers to expand and diversify their businesses. The rewards of working internationally can be great. However, international success requires companies--large and small--to learn about foreign markets, foreign business practices, and international transactions. Several federal and state agencies help Virginia companies to enter foreign markets or expand their international presence by offering advice and information; providing credit, loan guarantees, and insurance; supporting trade missions and other events; disseminating trade leads; and providing advocacy for U.S. companies.
- Virginia and Federal Export and Foreign Investment Promotion Agencies
- Other Environmental Export Programs and Resources
Back to the Business Assistance, and Economic Development page.
Also see VA Dept. of Business Assistance, SBA, and U.S. Business Advisor on the Business Assistance and Economic Development page.
Virginia and Federal Export and Foreign Investment Promotion Agencies
Virginia Economic Development Partnership: Division of International Trade Development provides international business expertise to promote Virginia's products and services in world markets. Export counseling, marketing assistance, educational seminars, international market information, market planning programs, and export financing assistance are typical of the services provided to Virginia businesses that are interested in pursuing foreign sales opportunities. VEDP offices abroad and across the Commonwealth assist Virginia firms in identifying and approaching foreign business contacts.
U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) is the parent department for the International Trade Administration (ITA), the lead federal agency for promoting exports. ITA provides information, advice, and other support to both novice and experienced companies exploring export opportunities. Among notable ITA offices and centers are the U.S. Commercial Service, the Trade Information Center, and the Environmental Technologies Industries (ETI) office. ETI is the principal resource and key contact point within DOC for American environmental technology companies. ITA services are accessible by calling 1-800-USA-TRADE (1-800-872-8723) or the Virginia Export Assistance Centers of the U.S. Commercial Service.
Northern Virginia Export Assistance Center
1401 Wilson Blvd. Suite 1225
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: (703) 235-0331
Fax: (703) 524-2649
E-mail: nova.office.box@mail.doc.govRichmond Export Assistance Center
400 N. 8th St. # 540
P.O. Box 10026
Richmond, VA 23218
Phone: 804-771-2246
Fax: 804-771-2390
E-mail: Eric.McDonald@mail.doc.gov
U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM) provides various export assistance including export credit insurance and loan guarantees to eligible exporters. Phone 1-800-565-3946.
Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) is a federal government owned corporation that provides insurance and financing for qualified investment projects in various middle-income and developing countries. Phone: 1-202-336-8799.
U.S. Trade and Development Agency (TDA) helps U.S. companies pursue overseas business opportunities. Through the funding of feasibility studies, orientation visits, specialized training grants, business workshops, and various forms of technical assistance, TDA enables American businesses to compete for infrastructure and industrial projects in middle-income and developing countries. Phone 1-703-875-4357.
Other Environmental Export Programs and Resources
EcoLinks is an initiative of USAID to promote partnerships between U.S. companies and organizations and their counterparts in Central and Eastern Europe and the New Independent States. The initiative seeks practical, market-based solutions to urban and industrial environmental problems. It provides technical and financial support to help create partnerships and has in-country representatives to help U.S. businesses.
Export Council for Energy Efficiency (ECEE) promotes the global use of energy efficiency products and services, in partnership with U.S. companies and state officials, by increasing the awareness of their economic and environmental benefits.
Clean Technology Initiative for Indian Industry, a program of USAID in collaboration with ICICI Limited, offers financial and technical assistance to Indian industry in select sectors. CTI promotes industrial voluntary initiatives for the adoption of clean, climate-friendly technologies and certifiable environmental management systems (ISO 14001). The initiative supports business exchanges and other activities that can assist U.S. environmental companies to provide technologies and services to the Indian market.
U.S.-Asia Environmental Partnership (US-AEP) is a public-private initiative that promotes environmentally sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. US-AEP is jointly implemented by several U.S. government agencies, under the leadership of USAID. The US-AEP Export Advisor pages contain useful information on Asia-Pacific environmental markets, export hints, and links to pertinent public and private sector organizations. US-AEP operates the Environmental Technology Network for Asia, which collects and disseminates trade leads.