Secretary
Evans Takes Free Trade Message to Maine
Says Its Popular Products Make the Pine State a
Trading State
U.S.
Secretary of Commerce Don Evans today said that Maines world-famous
exports and its proximity to Canada make the small state a big player
in the U.S. economy. Evans cited statistics showing that in 2001 alone,
Maine exported $1.6 billion worth of merchandise to 164 foreign countries.
Thanks
to products that range from lobster to maple syrup to software, Maine
understands the benefits that exports have on their economy,
said Evans. Trade opens doors and opportunities for our businesses
to grow, our industries to thrive and our workers to prosper. Maine
knows that as well as anyone.
To
illustrate trades significance to the American economy, Evans
stressed that exports accounted for more than one-fifth of the nations
economic growth during the last decade. Evans also cited data showing
that trade supports 12 million U.S. jobs, and that export-supported
jobs pay as much as 18 percent more than the average wage. As a result
of NAFTA, Maine has exported to Canada $745 million in goods that
accounted for 46 percent of the states exports. In 2000, export
sales totaled $1,306 for every state resident, an increase of 52 percent
from 1993.
Evans
made his comments during a visit to Mega Industries, a manufacturer
of antennas and other related equipment for the broadcast industry.
Following his remarks, Evans presented Mega Industries owner Peter
Anania with the U.S. Department of Commerces Export Achievement
Certificate, recognizing Mega Industries success in entering
new global markets for their products.
Evans
visit to Gorham is the sixth in a series of trips he has made to highlight
the importance of trade in the American economy and trades impact
on the lives of American workers. Evans has held similar events this
year in Kansas City, MO., Tampa, Fla., Albuquerque, N.M., Los Angeles,
Calif. and Orlando, Fla. The Commerce Departments nationwide
grassroots initiative will take Evans and other senior Commerce officials
to all 50 states to discuss trade during President Bushs first
term.