Case #1025.0

XPORT: A Public Sector Trading Company

Publication Date: January 01, 1990
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Abstract:
This case takes its place in the ongoing debate over privatization: which functions are best performed by the public sector, which should be reserved to private enterprise? In this instance, a newly-appointed executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey must decide whether or not to continue a fledgling "public sector trading company"--a program designed to nurture small business exports by identifying overseas customers and acting as middleman in the transaction--all for a fee. Early sales figures are disappointing; organized private opposition has surfaced in the state legislature. But a strong-willed program director is convinced that small exporters are not served by private trading firms and that increasing the volume of small exports will help keep the Port Authority's facilities busy.

Other Details

Case Author:
Kirsten Lundberg
Faculty Lead:
John Donahue
Pages (incl. exhibits):
18
Setting:
United States
Language:
English
Funding Source:
Ford Foundation and the Innovations in State and Local Government Program