Top News
Gutierrez Touts Sweet Success of a Record Year for Exports in 2007
Washington (Feb. 14)—At a trade rally at the U.S. Chamber, Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez announced that U.S. exports for 2007 reached record-breaking levels and stressed the need to continue export momentum by opening new markets and passing the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement. Colombian goods such, as Valentine’s Day flowers, come to the United States duty free, while U.S. products that support the flower industry face tariffs upon entering the Colombian market. The Colombian flower industry supports roughly 230,000 American jobs. (Release) (Report) (Fact Sheet)
NTIA Acting Assistant Secretary Baker Delivers Testimony to Congress on Status of the DTV Transition
Washington (Feb. 13)—Acting Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information Meredith A. Baker testified before the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet. The hearing was on the “Status of the DTV Transition: 370 Days and Counting.” Baker testified, “To date, NTIA has accepted more than 2.4 million household requests for more than 4.7 million coupons.” (Testimony)
Assistant Secretary Spooner Addresses Trade Issues at National Association of Foreign Trade Zones
Washington (Feb. 12)—International Trade Administration Assistant Secretary for Import Administration David Spooner delivered keynote remarks at the National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones (NAFTZ) and addressed the valuable role foreign trade zones play in contributing to America’s export growth. “I’ve come to recognize the value of FTZ’s in carrying out broader policy objectives, particularly promoting exports and economic growth,” he said. (More)
Administration’s Annual IP Report: IP Related Prosecutions Up, Focus on Health and Safety Redoubled
Washington (Feb. 11)—U.S. Coordinator for International Intellectual Property Enforcement Chris Israel (pictured) released the administration’s Annual Report to the President and Congress on Coordination of Intellectual Property Enforcement and Protection today. The Annual Report conveys the yearly accomplishments and establishes priorities for the upcoming year for the federal agencies responsible for protecting and enforcing American intellectual property (IP) rights, both domestically and abroad. (Release) (Fact Sheet) (Report)
UNH/NOAA Photo
UNH-NOAA Ocean Mapping Expedition Yields New Insights into Arctic Depths
Washington (Feb. 11)— New Arctic sea floor data released today by the University of New Hampshire and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) suggests that the foot of the continental slope off Alaska is more than 100 nautical miles farther from the U.S. coast than previously assumed. The data, gathered during a recent mapping expedition to the Chukchi Cap some 600 nautical miles north of Alaska, could support U.S. rights to natural resources of the sea floor beyond 200 nautical miles from the coast. NOAA is a bureau of the U.S. Department of Commerce. (More)
Gutierrez Discusses Importance of Open Markets at U.S.-Middle East and North Africa Trade and Investment Conference
Amman, Jordan (Feb. 11)—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez spoke at the U.S.-Middle East and North Africa Trade and Investment Conference on the potential for prosperity and stronger economic ties through open markets. “When markets are open, trade is liberalized, freedom is fostered, entrepreneurial spirits are unleashed, and the quality of life improves,” said Gutierrez. “This Conference presents a great opportunity to take our economic partnerships to the next level and to create stronger intra-regional commercial ties with U.S. suppliers and investors.” (Remarks)
File Photo
Gutierrez Travels to Baghdad to Promote Private Sector Growth and Participate in U.S.-Iraqi Business Dialogue
Baghdad (Feb. 9)—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today met with Iraqi and U.S. business leaders to collaborate on ways to strengthen Iraq’s economy and to build upon recent security gains that have resulted from the U.S. troop surge. “There is no better time than now for economic liberalization and the growth of the Iraqi private sector,” Gutierrez said. “We are committed to working with our Iraqi counterparts to attract private investment into the country because an economically prosperous Iraq will advance hope and peace in Iraq.” (Release) (Remarks)
Biometrics Standards Registry for U.S. Government Issued for Public Comment
Gaithersburg, Md. (Feb. 8)—An interagency subcommittee of the White House's National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), which includes members from Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), issued a draft document listing recommended standards to enable government agencies to easily share biometric data. Biometrics involve identifying individuals by unique characteristics such as fingerprints, faces, irises and palms. The NSTC subcommittee is requesting public comment on the draft by March 10. (More)
Gutierrez Praises Economic Stimulus Approval by Congress
Washington (Feb. 7)—Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today praised final approval of the economic stimulus package: "This economic stimulus package will quickly put cash into consumer hands and provide a needed boost to the economy. Our growth continues, but at a slower pace. The President was right on target with both his proposed plan, and also the effort that he and Secretary Paulson made to quickly work in a bipartisan fashion with Congress. … (More)
One Year from 2009 Digital TV Transition, Commerce Secretary Gutierrez Highlights TV Converter Box Program at Retail Event
Washington (Feb. 7)—Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today joined key stakeholders at a Washington, D.C. Best Buy to highlight the digital television transition, approximately one year away. He urged Americans to take action and prepare for the digital television transition before February 17, 2009. The transition will offer consumers a clearer picture, more programming choices and free up the airwaves for better communications among emergency first responders. (More)