Commerce Secretary Takes Trade Message
to New Mexico
Evans Calls Trade the "Secret of New Mexico's Economic Success"

Every American knows the value of a good job, but fewer Americans realize that some of the best jobs are supported and created by international trade. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Don Evans brought this message to New Mexico today as part of a nationwide initiative to discuss the importance of trade.

Evans today called trade the "secret of New Mexico's economic success" and said that the state's recent history provides an example to the nation about how trade can grow the economy and create new and higher paying jobs for American workers. Evans made his comments during a town hall meeting he and U.S. Rep. Heather Wilson (N.M.-1) held at the Technical Vocational Institute in Albuquerque, N.M., to discuss trade and its impact on New Mexico's economy.

"Free trade means that New Mexico's businesses, large and small, from manufacturing to information technology and agriculture, will have more opportunity to compete," said Wilson. "That means growth for local businesses, growth for our economy and better jobs for New Mexicans."

"Thanks to NAFTA, New Mexico's exports have increased by more than 200 percent since 1993, meaning new jobs for New Mexico's workers and new opportunities for business men and women all across the state," said Evans.

New Mexico exported $1.2 billion of goods last year, and as of 1997 (latest data available) is the most export-dependant state in the United States. One of every six jobs in New Mexico--more than 97,000 is dependent on trade. Evans pointed out that American exports account for more than one-fifth of the nation's economic growth over the past decade.

Evans' visit to Albuquerque is the third in a series of trips he has made. The trips are aimed at educating the American people on trade's importance to the economy and its impact on the lives of American workers, farmers, ranchers, and businessmen and women. This nationwide grassroots initiative will bring Evans and other senior Commerce officials to all 50 states to discuss trade during President Bush's first term. Evans held similar events this summer in Kansas City, Mo., and Tampa, Fla.