COMMERCE DEPARTMENT LAUNCHES WEB SITE IN SPANISH TO BETTER SERVE HISPANIC COMMUNITY

In an effort to better serve Hispanic entrepreneurs and businesses, the U.S. Department of Commerce today launched its Spanish language web site. The web site is designed to inform the Hispanic community of changes in the economy, upcoming trade development missions, high tech issues and trade opportunities. The web site also allows users to access information about minority development, export assistance, grant opportunities, and contracting and career opportunities.

“The Hispanic community has an ally in President Bush. Today’s launch builds on the Administration’s commitment to serve the Hispanic community,” said Secretary of Commerce Don Evans. “The Internet is an important tool that is connecting Hispanic businesses to other businesses around the world.”

According to the U.S. Census bureau, the Hispanic community now includes 35 million people and has become the largest ethnic minority in the U.S. In the U.S. 1.2 million businesses are owned by Hispanics.

The “Newsroom” feature of the web site will keep users apprised of efforts the Bush Administration is taking to promote trade in the western hemisphere, develop the Free Trade Area of the Americas, and steps the Administration is taking to strengthen the economy and create jobs.

In addition, the web site includes a listing of Department of Commerce offices with their web sites and bios of key department officials.

Further information about the web site, may be obtained at http://www.commerce.gov/index_spanish.htm.