Posted by Nathan Book
On September 10, BusinessPA and World Trade Center Harrisburg hosted Bringing the World to Pennsylvania at the AACA Museum in Hershey. The annual event was one of ten stops held across the state from September 8–19, which connects local companies with the state’s network of Authorized Trade Representatives (ATRs) around the world. These ATRs work alongside Pennsylvania’s Regional Export Network (REN), which exists as PA’s in-state network of trade experts across 10 geographic regions, one of which is served by World Trade Center Harrisburg.
Covering 44 countries worldwide, these 13 ATRs serve as Pennsylvania’s in-country experts, providing on-the-ground insight into market conditions, regulatory requirements, cultural considerations, and opportunities for companies looking to expand abroad. Their visit to Pennsylvania each fall gives businesses across the state the unique chance to meet face-to-face with these international trade professionals without leaving their home regions, making global expansion and investment from abroad possible and accessible to companies of all sizes.
This year’s event in Hershey brought together ATRs from markets across Europe, Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, and the Americas, as well as a diverse mix of southcentral Pennsylvania companies ranging from manufacturers to service providers. Throughout the day, companies met individually with ATRs to discuss export strategies, market-entry plans, and opportunities to grow their global presence. These one-on-one consultations were complemented by networking opportunities with peers and trade professionals, as well as a keynote address that underscored the importance of international trade to the economic vitality of both southcentral Pennsylvania and the U.S. as a whole.
The keynote address was delivered by David L. Cohen, who served as the U.S. ambassador to Canada during the Biden administration. Cohen’s speech was entitled “State of International Trade in Trump Administration Ⅱ” and shared both his experience working as U.S. ambassador to Canada and his insights regarding the current policy environment in the nation and their impacts on both the United States’ relationship with Canada and on its economy as a whole. He discussed the multifaceted role ambassadors play in managing geopolitical relationships and detailed Trump’s tariff announcements and their potential economic impacts, in addition to sharing how tariffs combined with spending cuts and tax hikes constitute the largest redistribution of wealth in American history. In spite of changes in priorities and policies between administrations, Cohen reiterated that what remains constant is Canada’s close economic ties with the United States, and more specifically, Pennsylvania.
By showcasing local companies and connecting them directly with Pennsylvania’s global representatives, Bringing the World to Pennsylvania highlighted the state’s commitment to supporting exporters, attracting foreign investment, and strengthening the state’s role in the international marketplace. The event not only reinforced the value of international engagement for businesses seeking growth but also demonstrated how state-level resources can help companies overcome barriers to entering foreign markets. Looking ahead, the insights shared and connections forged during the event will continue to shape the region’s participation in the global economy.
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