PA opens trade office in Indonesia

(Undated) -- The commonwealth has opened a new trade office in Indonesia.

The Department of Community and Economic Development will run the facility, designed to support Pennsylvania businesses looking to export to the world's fourth most-populous country.

Wilfred Muskens is the DCED's Deputy Secretary for the Office of International Business Development.

He says business in the Asian nation is expanding.

"Economic growth has been over six percent for a couple of years in a row now, so the economy there is doing very well," Muskens explains. "There are a few sectors where there are a lot of opportunities for Pennsylvania companies to sell their products, whether its mining or food or information technology equipment."

Muskens says the office's main responsibility is working with businesses looking to find clients in foreign markets.

He says the state has been aggressive in setting up an international network to help manufacturers, service providers and small businesses.

The DCED has 22 business development offices worldwide, covering more than 60 international markets.