Corbett's overseas trip was not a bad thing

We have followed the coverage of Gov. Corbett's trade mission to France and Germany with concern. Some have suggested that such missions are misdirected junkets and that, with all of the challenges the commonwealth faces, the governor's time would be better spent at home.

Pennsylvania, of course, has problems. But we are shortchanging ourselves if we do not allow - indeed, encourage - government leaders to invest some of their time promoting foreign trade, tourism, student enrollment, and direct foreign investment in the commonwealth. Encouraging economic development and job growth is a critical function of state and local government. Other states have been aggressive in this area for a long time, and their governors and other public officials have led the way.

Today, the competition and the opportunities are global. Consider:

Emerging markets are now growing at a faster rate than our own economy. Businesses need to consider markets beyond the United States, where 95 percent of the world's consumers reside.

55 percent of the 66 companies that Select Greater Philadelphia has helped locate here have come from overseas.

The WTCGP worked with more than 300 companies in 2011, helping them generate in excess of $147 million in incremental exports.

28,000-plus international students come to Pennsylvania each year, paying tuitions and bringing their purchasing power and the prospect of valuable future relationships.

In 2007, 261,500 people in Pennsylvania were employed by U.S. affiliates of companies that were at least 50 percent foreign-owned. France and Germany are in the top five sources.

In short, international businesses, investment, and activities are vitally important to Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia area. They need more, not less, attention from our elected leaders.

Much of the competition is now between regions. In January, the Economist Intelligence Unit Ltd. studied the world's major urban areas, which collectively represent 29 percent of the global economy. Philadelphia did moderately well, ranking 30th overall, but the race is only heating up. As the study's authors note, "iven the rapid growth and development of many cities, particularly in emerging markets such as China and India, competition among them for business, investment, and talent will only get fiercer."

To be successful in this competition, and to bring new jobs to our region, increasing exports and foreign direct investment are crucial. By undertaking this mission to France and Germany, the two most significant countries in Europe, and major investors in our region, Corbett is not only opening doors to new business for the companies that accompanied him, but he is also fulfilling an important part of his duties as the commonwealth's chief executive.

Similarly, we should be grateful that Mayor Nutter has placed new emphasis on Philadelphia as an international city. True, he has a plateful of issues to deal with, but we also need him to take time to sell our city to the world.

One criticism of the governor's trip was that a public delegation was being funded by a private charitable foundation. Instead of being lauded in tough financial times, this funding was criticized as inappropriate. We don't see anything wrong with such funding in principle, and certainly don't quarrel with the private companies that accompanied the governor, paying their own way.

The critics may be on to something, though. Why does the funding have to be private? Why, even in a difficult economy, can't we get our heads around the idea that this is precisely the sort of investment that the public needs to make?

For all our sakes, we hope the governor keeps flying Pennsylvania's flag overseas. If he succeeds, he may hear the citizens of this great state say, "Well done."

E-mail the writers at jfsmith@globalphiladelphia.org and lconlin@wtcphila.org.