Problem: While US industry exports a significant quantity of products, the complexity of the export process often discourages smaller companies from trying to enter the export market. Proposed Solution: In 1982, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey created the Port Authority Trading Company (called XPORT). This program begins by evaluating firms which seek to enter the international market. If the company is found to be in a good situation to enter the market, XPORT helps guide it through practical and legal hurdles to help establish itself in the international arena. This assistance can include help with marketing considerations, as well as with distribution and with the rules governing export business. After export has been established, the companies pay commissions to XPORT to help fund the continuation of the program. Evaluation: The program has been successful. By targeting product areas which are particularly likely to be successful and by finding governmental and private sources for additional support, XPORT has helped over a hundred firms enter the export market. Contact: Hebert Ouida, General Manager, One World Trade Center, 63E, New York, NY 10048. Citation: "Innovations in State and Local Government 1990." New York: The Ford Foundation, 1990. pp 20-21. Keywords: international trade exports