Greater Portland Inc., a Portland-Vancouver public/private economic development organization, unveiled a new strategic plan today to help local companies increase their export capabilities.
The new strategy comes after a year of study in cooperation with the Brookings Institution, and aims to double regional exports in the next five years.
“It is estimated that every additional $1 billion in export growth translates into 5,400 new jobs, so if we grow exports we grow jobs.” said Sean Robbins, CEO of Greater Portland Inc.
Based on a market assessment and discussions with regional stakeholders, Greater Portland’s Metro Export Initiative was developed, encompassing four strategy areas to increase the region’s exports:
1. Support and Leverage Primary Exporters – Increase local share of computer and electronic manufacturing supply-chain; address regional policy issues to enhance long-term competitiveness of the industry.
2. Catalyze Under-Exporters – Work with a select group of key manufacturers to access new markets; provide market intelligence analysis, product diversification strategies and targeted trade missions.
3. Enhance the Export Pipeline – Increase the number of small and medium size businesses exporting; develop an export services roadmap and create a “one-stop-shop” resource center, promote an export culture and provide intense export mentoring.
4. Market Portland-Vancouver’s Global Edge – Capitalize on the region’s reputation and expertise in clean tech adoption, sustainable energy generation, advanced urban design and transportation through intense and proactive marketing strategy to sell Portland’s Green Solutions internationally.
Review the full strategy document here.
