Opinion Editorial

Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez
Opinion Editorial, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
”Global Trade: Competition Drives Up Jobs and Growth”

Many Americans are increasingly worried about U.S. competitiveness and globalization, particularly when it comes to India and China. Competitiveness translates into jobs, prosperity and higher living standards. While the U.S. remains highly competitive, we believe we can better compete against Asia and other regions if we are part of a growing, dynamic hemisphere that invests in people, encourages entrepreneurship and promotes innovation. Today, the inaugural Americas Competitiveness Forum meets in Atlanta to focus on these elements.

Two vice presidents, ministers from more than 30 countries and hundreds of government and private-sector leaders from across the Americas have convened here to generate new forward momentum in the Western Hemisphere. The "Competitiveness in the Americas" report, which is being released by the Department of Commerce to coincide with the Forum, highlights the drivers of competitiveness, and serves as a launching point for what we hope will be a dynamic and open exchange of ideas on these vital issues. The Americas must continue building strategic partnerships to remain globally competitive, boost jobs and grow economically.

Atlanta is a natural host for this innovative dialogue. Georgia has a well-deserved reputation for embracing technological changes and turning them into commercial and educational opportunities. From the educational expertise at Georgia Tech's Advanced Technology Development Center to the corporate leadership of companies such as Delta, the Home Depot and the Coca-Cola Co., among others, this region has embraced competitive practices and innovative policies to succeed in the global marketplace.

Over recent decades, nearly the entire hemisphere has progressed in significant ways. Overwhelmingly, the countries of the Americas have leaders elected by their citizens. Since 1990, regional growth has averaged near four percent. Nine countries had gains in per capita GDP in excess of 50 percent between 1990 and 2006. Exports are up more than 200 percent since 1990, totaling more than $2 trillion in 2006. There is much of which to be proud, but we can't be complacent.

Working together to promote open markets, create jobs and encourage investment is strongly in the long-term best interest of all citizens of the Americas. The United States has negotiated free trade agreements with 12 countries in the hemisphere, and we have pending FTAs with Colombia, Panama and Peru. Our trade agreements have delivered results. From 1993 to 2006, trade among the NAFTA nations climbed 198 percent, from $297 billion to $884 billion. U.S. exports to Chile were up 30 percent in 2006. Two-way trade between the United States and the six CAFTA countries totaled $38.2 billion.

Georgia's economy has certainly benefited from trade. In 2006, Georgia's exports totaled more than $20 billion, with more than a quarter of that trade going to NAFTA partners.

When countries are prosperous and peaceful, there is security, opportunity and hope. This week, by focusing on education and workforce development, innovation, entrepreneurship and global supply chain strategies, our goal is to have a dynamic exchange of ideas on growing economies and expanding opportunities throughout the region.

President Bush's vision for the Western Hemisphere is one of growth and prosperity. Growth empowers people with the tools to take ownership and improve their lives, and strengthens the delivery of true social justice, which we believe is about giving everyone an equal opportunity to succeed. We have the opportunity now to continue with the progress of recent decades.

The United States is proud to host this event in Atlanta. We hope it bolsters regional competitiveness, and thereby extends greater opportunity into every home, reduces need and hopelessness, and raises living standards for all citizens of the Americas. That is true social justice and the ultimate goal of this inaugural forum.