South Carolina is helping test a new federal program to boost foreign sales for some of the state's burgeoning small businesses.

Export South Carolina will center on increasing sales of the state's products to Chile, one of the many countries that has an underutilized free trade agreement with the United States, U.S. Chamber of Commerce officials said.

The chamber selected 10 states to take part in the program. It's designed to spur trade with countries all over the world that already have U.S. free trade agreements.

The program kicked off in Columbia last week with Jenny Sanford, wife of Gov. Mark Sanford, and Chilean Ambassador Andres Bianchi talking to business leaders about the importance of pumping up exports at growing start-ups across the state.

"We're a state where the backbone of job creation comes from small and mid-sized businesses," Mark Sanford said in a press release.

About 95 percent of the businesses in South Carolina have 50 or fewer employees. Trade officials warn that for some of the smallest firms, navigating the rules and regulations of exporting poses a daunting challenge that too few companies choose to try and overcome. In the increasingly global economy, however, forming foreign ties can provide a diverse and stable revenue stream.

"Businesses that export are more competitive, pay higher wages and experience faster growth," said state Commerce Secretary Bob Faith.

Chile has been tapped as a potential windfall for companies in South Carolina. Its economy is the most stable in Latin America and is the fourth-fastest-growing in the world. The country also is seen as a gateway to trade with other Latin American nations.

The export program, coordinated by the state and federal Department of Commerce, will include a weeklong May trade mission to Chile. Firms can meet with businesses in Santiago and work with Chilean government officials about ways to smooth the trade process for U.S. exporters.

Potential exporters also will have access to in-state seminars and can get help from state trade officials about ways to connect with customers abroad.

For more information about the program, call (803) 737-0488.

RECRUITING RETAILERS

Port officials in New York and New Jersey are trying a tactic similar to one floating around in South Carolina to lure distribution centers to their states.

The project could set the stage for port authorities across the country to play a bigger role in revitalization and economic development projects in their communities.

The states' port authority and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority have committed to pump about $1.8 million into a program that identifies vacant land and property suitable for the huge warehouses and distribution centers that funnel millions of dollars and thousands of jobs into port communities each year. The so-called Portfields Initiative is part of a nationwide program to rehabilitate former industrial sites near port terminals.

New York and New Jersey officials announced last week they've identified at least 20 sites that are prime properties for expanding exporters and importers.

The goal is to attract huge retailers and distributors searching for space in the United States where their products can be moved quickly over good roads and through busy port terminals.

It's a feat that economic development gurus in South Carolina have been vying to accomplish for several years. Instead, they've seen major retailers such as Home Depot and Icon Health and Fitness pass up properties in South Carolina for more attractive tax incentive packages -- and land -- in states such as Georgia.

The State Ports Authority began batting around similar ideas last week that might give them a leg up when it comes to finding suitable properties for revenue-generating companies. Now, government economic development agencies take on much of the responsibility for tracking down and enticing potential tenants.

New York and New Jersey port leaders said they're launching their own program to keep distribution centers sprouting up closer to docks. Proximity to the waterfront could be crucial in years to come to help speed cargo movement through increasingly busy terminals.