Commerce Secretary Evans Celebrates World Trade Week

Washington, DC - Today marks the beginning of "World Trade Week," a celebration designated by President Bush to observe this vital part of America's economy during the week of May 19-25. Events are being held all over the nation to focus attention on the importance of trade, and exports in particular, to increasing jobs and strengthening the economy.

"Trade has an extraordinary impact on our nation's economic security, and it is a powerful force for good in the world," stated Commerce Secretary Don Evans. "Trade spurs economic growth and creates more and higher-paying jobs. For millions of Americans, exports mean food on the table, a good paycheck and a chance to improve their lives. And for millions of people around the world, trade offers the hope of economic opportunity and a higher standard of living. Trade is a path toward a world that lives in peace and prosperity. That is a lot to celebrate this week."

"It is also important to note, however, that a vital piece of the trade picture is missing. While the rest of the country is celebrating the many benefits of trade, Congress has still not passed a critical bill that would bring even more of these benefits to the American people. "Delay in granting the President the tools he needs to open markets abroad means delay in opening a brighter economic future for farmers, workers, and businesses all across America. The Congress must pass TPA now."

According to Commerce Department statistics, exports are key to economic growth and job creation. U.S. exports accounted for nearly 25 percent of economic growth in the past decade, and about 12 million American jobs depend upon exports. In addition, workers in jobs supported by exports receive wages 13 to 18 percent higher than the national average, and small and medium-sized companies benefit the most from trade. More than 96 percent of the world's consumers live outside of the United States.

The Department of Commerce currently operates a global network of commercial offices worldwide, including over 100 Export Assistance Centers across the U.S. and many other international offices where U.S. businesses can receive export counseling. In addition, websites such as export.gov and BuyUSA.com provide useful information and contacts for businesses interested in expanding their markets.
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Attached: List of events for World Trade Week World Trade Week Calendar of Events

Monday, May 20
Columbia, SC
Two day event
International Trade Conference, Textile Machinery Trade Mission, And Award Luncheon
Detroit, MI
Three day event
Luncheon/Multi-topic Conferences
Houston, TX
TBD
4 city Mercusor Ambassador Tour
New York
Three day event
Breakfast/Maritime Day/Trade Dimensions 2002: Responding to New Global Economy
Phoenix, AZ
Three day event
Arizona Mexico Commission/ High Tech Sales University Program

Tuesday, May 21
Chicago, IL
All day event
International Forum on China
Greensboro, NC
Two day event
World Trade Day in the Piedmont Triad/International Awards Luncheon
Bakersfield and Northern California
Four day event
Refer to day-by-day
Oakland, CA
TBD
GDI-oriented luncheon
Sioux Falls, SD
Two day event
Conference over export Issues
Tucson, AZ
TBD
Collaboration between Arizona DEC, CS ICT Team & City of Tucson Business Linc

Wednesday, May 22
Bakersfield and Northern California
Four day event
Refer to day-by-day
Cincinnati, OH
8:30am - 4:30pm
Global Financing for International Business Development
Montpelier, VT
Two day event
Vermont Business Industry Exposition
Southern California
Three day event
Luncheon/Business without Borders Conference

Thursday, May 23
Anchorage, AK
TBD
Export Alaska Banquet
Fort Worth, TX
11:30am
Award luncheon
Las Vegas, NV
TBD
Award Luncheon

Friday, May 24
Savannah, GA
7:00pm
Black Tie/Dinner Celebrating World Trade Week/Maritime Day
Harrisburg, PA
11:00am - 1:30pm
Foreign Policy Challenges Facing Global Corporations

Wednesday, May 29
Buffalo, NY
2:00pm - 8:30pm
Educational Seminar on Export Essentials
Portland, OR
10:00am - 2:00pm
Governor's International Trade Awards

Thursday, May 30
Clearwater, FL
9:00am-12:00pm
Connect to the World with BuyUSA- Seminar
Highland Park
8:00am - 12:00pm
International Trade Business Forum
Philadelphia, PA
5:00pm - 8:00pm
International Business Week forum and China Trade 2002 video Conference
Providence, RI
TBD
TBD

Friday, May 31
Trenton, NJ
10:00am - 2:30pm
Trading with India

Wednesday, June 5
Seattle, WA
Two day event
"U.S. ASEAN Ambassador's Tour"

Tuesday, June 11
Middletown, CT
11:00am - 2:00pm
Awards and networking Luncheon

Wednesday, June 26
Cleveland, OH
Two day event
Conference and Exhibition in Collaboration with ISA