Pa. launches ‘Bringing the World’ tour to boost exports and foreign investment

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Shapiro administration is launching a statewide initiative this month to help Pennsylvania businesses expand into global markets while drawing new foreign investment to the Commonwealth.

Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger announced on Thursday that “Bringing the World to Pennsylvania” will run Sept. 8 through Sept. 19 with stops in 10 cities. The program will connect local companies with trade representatives from 13 countries to discuss international sales goals, while also giving communities opportunities to showcase their economic strengths.

The effort is part of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 10-year Economic Development Strategy, which prioritizes expanding exports and attracting foreign companies, a DCED spokesperson said. 

According to a statement from the department, Shapiro’s 2025-26 proposed budget included several new investments to advance the plan, including $12.5 million for workforce training, $2 million for a new internship program and $10 million in job-creation tax credits.

“As part of our Economic Development Strategy, we emphasized the need to bring in more global business and industry to Pennsylvania — one of the many reasons why we formed BusinessPA,” Siger said. “BusinessPA’s international investment team provides the support and technical assistance that companies need to establish and grow in Pennsylvania, while the trade development team helps hundreds of Commonwealth companies each year connect with buyers around the world who need their products.”

Over the past year, BusinessPA’s International Trade & Investment team helped 722 companies export more than $534 million in goods and services, according to the department. The agency also worked with 22 international companies that invested more than $93 million in Pennsylvania, supporting thousands of jobs.

This year’s tour will stop in the following cities over the tour:

• Philadelphia, Sept. 8
• Malvern, Sept. 9
• Hershey, Sept. 10
• Altoona, Sept. 11
• Pittsburgh, Sept. 12
• Erie, Sept. 15
• Kersey, Sept. 16
• Bellefonte, Sept. 17
• Dupont, Sept. 18
• Bethlehem, Sept. 19

Trade representatives from Australia, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Germany, India, Israel, Mexico, the Netherlands, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and the United Kingdom/Ireland will meet with businesses, a statement from the department said.

At the same time, Pennsylvania communities will highlight local sites, industries and resources to attract foreign investment. BusinessPA is coordinating the events in partnership with regional export networks and local economic development organizations.