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Foreign trade mission can open doors for Buffalo

By David A. Paterson

Updated: 04/30/09 7:02 AM

In some ways, this may seem like just another spring day in Western New York. But this is a special day in downtown Buffalo, as we begin the second day of the largest foreign trade mission in New York’s history.

Now that we have stabilized our state’s finances, my highest priority as governor is to create jobs and put people back to work.

President Obama’s economic stimulus package will help. We have already announced $500 million in stimulus projects that will create 11,000 jobs across this state.

But we need to do more than stimulate our economy for the short term through public investment. We need to revitalize it for the long term with private investment.

That is why, this week, I have brought 65 foreign trade officials from 36 countries to Buffalo. They arrived yesterday, and are spending two days here meeting with local companies to find opportunities for investment and job creation right here in this area.

In the past, Buffalo firms too often lacked access to key foreign markets and were shut out of critical networks of international trade and investment. By bringing these foreign trade officials here, they can see for themselves the strength of Buffalo’s companies, the quality of their products, and the possibilities for investing and creating jobs.

We believe government’s role is to put companies together with potential partners and then step back and get out of the way. We want to level the playing field for Western New York, to create contacts and international networks that companies here couldn’t create on their own.

This access is particularly important to small-and medium-sized businesses, which are a priority of mine. And we are making special efforts to include minority- and women-owned businesses in this week’s program.

Trade missions like this are an important part of our strategy to create jobs, boost international trade and build our economy for the future. In February, we brought a highly successful mission to the capital region, and we are planning similar trade missions to Rochester, Syracuse and Long Island.

This mission would not have been possible without the commitment of our partners. I want to thank Buffalo Niagara Enterprise, HSBC, National Grid, the University at Buffalo and the Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara county industrial development agencies, which have all stepped forward to help us show the best of Buffalo to our visitors.

The goal of this trade mission is to show the world what we already know: Buffalo means business.

So, if you’re in downtown Buffalo today, and you see one of the visiting officials, please say “welcome” — or “bienvenue,” “bienvenidos” or “willkommen.” We are proud to welcome these officials to Western New York. And we look forward to the foreign investment, and job creation, this visit will bring.

David A. Paterson is governor of New York.