Statement by U.S. Commerce Secretary Don Evans in Response to U.S. International Trade Data for June 2001

Washington, DC - "A decade ago, U.S. leadership led to significant trade liberalization. At the time, countries committed to the notion that free trade would stimulate economic growth. Since then 20 million new jobs have been created, private sector productivity has increased 3 percent a year, and U.S. industrial production was 48 percent higher in 2000 than in 1990. Yesterday's notion means 12 million real jobs today."

"Today's numbers reflect uncertainty at home and abroad. They sound an alarm for those who question whether now is the time for action."

"President Bush continues to take action to pursue trade and investment opportunities. He has directed me to lead a trade mission to Russia this fall where U.S. business leaders will meet with government officials and Russian business leaders. He has asked the Congress for Trade Promotion Authority, which will send a signal to the world that our country is again committed to pursuing the benefits of free trade."

RUSSIA TRADE MISSION FACT SHEET

On August 14th, the official Russia trade mission statement was published in the Federal Registry.

Mission Statement Summary:

At the request of President Bush, Secretary of Commerce Donald L. Evans will lead a senior-level business development mission to Moscow, Russia on October 14-16, 2001. The focus of the mission will be to assist U.S. businesses to explore trade and investment opportunities resulting from the positive political and economic changes that have taken place in Russia. The delegation will include approximately 15 U.S. based senior executives of small, medium and large sized U.S. firms representing, but not limited to, the following key growth sectors: aerospace; agribusiness; automotive parts and equipment; energy; engineering, technology and service industries.

Background:

Trade Mission Dates: October 14-16, 2001
Location: Moscow, Russia
Deadline for Applications: September 5th, 2001

For more information, to review the complete Russia trade mission statement, or to receive the official Department of Commerce application for the Russia trade mission, visit www.doc.gov/russiatrademission or contact the Office of Business Liaison at (202) 482-1360.

Applications must be faxed to the Office of Business Liaison at (202) 482-4054 by COB September 5th, 2001.