COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 12, 1998 -- American Electric Power (NYSE:AEP) is encouraging its industrial customers to think global and take advantage of the growing export market. AEP will continue its popular Going Global export assistance program in 1999. Applications are presently being accepted for the new season's first trade mission on April 18-23 to Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Santiago, Chile. The Going Global export assistance program was developed in 1993 to help AEP's customers benefit from international trade. AEP believes U.S. companies must export if they are to succeed in a global economy. "The purpose of our trade missions is to help our customers become more globally competitive by introducing them to dynamic country markets and providing assistance in locating agents, distributors, end users or other trading partners," said Christine Sorg, AEP's international development manager. "Going Global is just one more way of reinforcing our commitment to helping companies within our service area be successful," Sorg said. AEP representatives will assist participants in developing an international marketing plan, set up carefully-screened business appointments in the target country, arrange for translators, market briefings, local transportation and negotiated hotel rates. The 1999 schedule is as follows: April 18-23: Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Santiago, Chile: U.S. companies exported $5.8 billion to Argentina and $4.3 billion to Chile in 1997. The two countries are experiencing economic stability and a liberal trading climate. Major new investments in mining, oil and gas, along with automotive and food processing industrial sectors and a continuing program to modernize their transport and communications infrastructures offer a growing market for a great variety of U.S. products and services. Registration deadline is Dec. 14. June 6-11: Monterrey and Mexico City, Mexico: During the past five years, AEP has arranged for 28 companies to participate in trade shows in Monterrey, and 33 companies have traveled to Mexico City for trade events. The participating companies reported positive experiences with these trade shows and were especially pleased with the appointments outside of the trade show. Their satisfaction led AEP to develop the trade mission format in 1999, which focuses on individual appointments with companies. Trade mission participants will travel to Monterrey and Mexico City to meet with six to eight companies in each location. Mexico was the second largest market for U.S. goods last year, with imports totaling $71 billion. Registration deadline is Feb. 26. Sept. 13-18: Montreal and Quebec City, Canada: The success of AEP's trade mission with seven customers in Quebec last year and seven additional customers last month led to the development of a third trip. AEP has worked on a successful mission format with U.S. commercial personnel in Montreal and Quebec City, and was able to arrange more than 60 one-on-one meetings with local businesses. U.S. Consul Generals in both cities will host two business receptions at their residences. Registration deadline is June 14. Oct. 10-15: Sao Paulo, Brazil: AEP and its customers will attend their second trade event in Brazil, which imported nearly $16 billion from the United States last year. Brazil is a growing market for U.S. exports and has more than 160 million residents and a land area larger than the continental United States. The United States is the chief foreign investor in Brazil, with a total direct investment in 1996 of $26 billion. Brazil is in the midst of an economic transformation that includes modernization of the country's infrastructure and an expanding privatization program. Real Gross Domestic Product growth in the country has averaged four percent from 1993 to 1997. The numerous export opportunities can best be evaluated by a visit to Brazil, particularly to the large metropolis of Sao Paulo. Registration deadline is July 9. Additional information on AEP's Going Global program may be obtained by calling Christine Sorg at 614/883-7722. AEP, a global energy company, is one of the United States' largest investor-owned utilities, providing energy to 3 million customers in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. AEP has holdings in the United States, the United Kingdom, China and Australia. Wholly owned subsidiaries provide power engineering, energy consulting and energy management services around the world. The company is based in Columbus, Ohio. On Dec. 22, 1997, AEP announced a definitive merger agreement for a tax-free, stock-for-stock transaction with Central and South West Corp., a public utility holding company based in Dallas.