HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- To expand Pennsylvania's international opportunities for new investment and job creation, the state's Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) officially opened a new trade office based in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The newly opened office will provide support and resources to Pennsylvania businesses seeking to export to the world's fourth most populous country.

"Indonesia is one of the world's fastest growing economies and over the last few years, we have seen a growing interest in the market from Pennsylvania companies," DCED Secretary C. Alan Walker said. "We are proud to be the first U.S. state to open a trade office in Indonesia which will enable both Pennsylvania and Indonesia to benefit from a stronger trade relationship."

DCED's Office of International Business Development (OIBD) provides Pennsylvania firms with a wide range of export assistance services to help these companies develop viable markets around the world and increase their sales. With 22 offices around the world, covering more than 60 international markets, OIBD operates the largest, most comprehensive state-sponsored export assistance program in the United States.

"Finding the right business partners and customers can be challenging even for experienced companies," Walker said.  "Our team of trade experts is here to assist companies to minimize risk and assist them to reach export success in a more timely and cost effective way."

Prior to the office opening, Pennsylvania's OIBD assisted clients interested in Indonesia through its office in Singapore.

"Pennsylvania is taking a bold step to capitalize on growing markets and new opportunities for Pennsylvania-based business prospects," said Peter Meyer, VP Commissioner, Chartis Insurance Indonesia. "The state's new office in Jakarta will present a great opportunity to build new relationships to enhance trade and to attract new investment."

The office in Jakarta will provide an array of services to strengthen bilateral trade and investment between both countries, including market intelligence and foreign company background checks, customized business partner searches, tailored appointment schedules and in-country logistical support for business trips, trade missions and trade shows.

The office has been opened under a special project funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

For additional information about the program, we encourage you to visit www.newPA.com/trade or to contact Jana New at 717-265-7749.

Media contact: Theresa Elliott, 717-783-1132

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development