THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, November 1, 1994 TAG: 9411010308
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: D2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ALISON FREEHLING, ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Short : 40 lines
A $144,440 federal grant will promote exports from coal-rich southwest Virginia to three Eastern European countries, state officials announced Monday.
Virginia Secretary for Commerce and Trade Robert T. Skunda said the money will help develop export partnerships with companies in Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary.
``Virginia is a leader in the export of coal, energy production equipment and new environmental technology,'' Skunda said. ``This grant will advance the state's important business development initiatives in emerging Eastern European countries.''
Virginia's exports to the three targeted countries in 1993 totaled approximately $35.3 million. State officials said they had no targeted dollar figure for state exports with the new grant.
The U.S. Department of Commerce solicited applications for the grants, which were available under the federal Market Development Coordinator Program.
The federal program, now in its second year, works to increase U.S. exports by encouraging private sector innovation.
Virginia was one of about 45 applicants for the seven federal grants, said George L. Hiller, export education manager for the state economic development office.
Hiller said the department plans to target smaller companies involved with exporting coal equipment and developing clean coal technology.
KEYWORDS: EXPORTS
by CNB