Emerging markets take a front seat at a World Trade Day luncheon this week.

Bruce V. Thomas, senior vice president at MeadWestvaco Corp., will discuss globalization and its significance to Virginia at 11:30 a.m. Friday in The Jefferson Hotel, 101 W. Franklin St. in Richmond.

The program is sponsored by the Virginia International Business Council, formerly known as the Richmond Export Import Club.

Emerging markets have long been a major focus for MeadWestvaco, the Henrico County-based packaging company.

The Fortune 500 company has had a presence in Brazil and China for decades and is building its business in other countries such as India.

"Emerging markets are not only our fastest-growing regions, but they are our highest-margin regions," said Thomas, who oversees global market strategy and emerging markets.

Markets in industrializing nations should be seen as more than just a source of cheap goods and labor. They are a valuable link in a global supply chain, Thomas said.

"We think of [emerging markets] as a place where we take our most innovative products to bring global solutions to our customers."

The cost of the program is $35 for members and $45 for nonmembers. RSVP by tomorrow.

For information contact Kitty Gathright at (804) 795-8080. -- Gail Kelley