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The U.S. Commercial Service, part of the Commerce Department, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with GlobalPittsburgh and its parent organization, the National Countil for International Visitors. The goal is to draw more attention to an export market that sometimes goes unnoticed.
"With this new formal partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce, we can increase our effectiveness in raising awareness of opportunities for exporting goods and services around the world, and one of Pittsburgh's most valuable exports is education," said Harry Edelman, vice chair of GlobalPittsburgh's Board of Directors.
The MOU was signed at Chatham University, one of the participating schools. Officials hope that the programs help colleges and universities continue to increase enrollment of international students in the Pittsburgh region. That effort was started with 2011's Study Pittsburgh initiative, but now by bringing the Commerce Department on board, the region can be more effectively marketed to a wider world audience.
Antwaun Griffin is Deputy Assistant Secretary for Domestic Operations, U.S. Commercial Service. In announcing the partnership, he said education is overlooked as an export, but is actually a very valuable one. In addition to educational benefits, he said international students have a great economic impact on the U.S.
"Specific to the Pittsburgh region, the immediate Pittsburgh area has hosted 10 colleges and universities with an estimated economic impact of nearly $214 million U.S. dollars, according to the U.S. Association of International Educators," said Griffin. "As a region, southwestern Pennsylvania is home to over 20 universities with a combined economic impact of over $250 million."
The collaboration will promote the region around the world as an international education destination, with an initial focus on Vietnam, China, and Brazil. Activities will include joint presentations to university representatives, co-hosting of events, and promotional services through Commercial Services offices worldwide.
