For Immediate Release: June 2, 2010
Contact: Mary Trupo (202) 482-3809
Exports Offer Opportunity for Economic Growth
WASHINGTON – Increased global trade and the growing interdependence among nations of the world has resulted in an expanding middle class and an historic opportunity for U.S. exporters, was the message delivered by Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Francisco Sánchez at today’s Washington International Trade Association breakfast.
“Our nation’s innate ability to innovate and export is key to strengthening the economy and creating jobs,” Sánchez said. “President Obama’s National Export Initiative (NEI) has two short-term goals: double exports in the next five years and support 2 million jobs. The priority focus of the NEI is to put America on a track to take full advantage of the global marketplace.”
The NEI goals require a repositioning of America’s strategic outlook in regards to exporting, and Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA) plays a major role in implementing the necessary initiatives and programs designed to achieve these objectives.
“I have implemented a 12-month plan that refocuses how ITA works,” Sánchez said. “We will give added emphasis to companies that already export and are ready for new markets. We are also focusing more on targeted industries and markets to accelerate exports to create jobs now in order to add momentum to the recovery.”
To better reach the 95 percent of the world’s potential consumers living outside the United States, ITA is utilizing strategic partnerships and engaging private sector experts to increase exporting possibilities for U.S. companies.
“By the end of this summer, we will educate the most of the international sales forces of UPS, FedEx, and the U.S. Postal Service to the services ITA’s Commercial Service can provide to their exporting clients,” Sánchez explained. “To further harness the potential between the public and the private sectors, we have re-engaged our Industry Trade Advisory Committees that help us develop public policies and strategies necessary to meet President Obama’s goals.”
Sánchez also noted that commercial engagement strategies are being developed for emerging nations, including Brazil, India, China, Vietnam, and South Africa, that will be targeted to help ensure long-term success of the NEI.
For additional information on ITA, which creates opportunities for U.S. workers and firms by promoting international trade and by fostering a level playing field for American businesses, please visit www.trade.gov.
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International Trade Administration
The International Trade Administration (ITA) is the premier resource for American companies competing in the global marketplace. ITA has 2,100 employees assisting U.S. exporters in more than 100 U.S. cities and 77 countries worldwide. For more information on ITA visit www.trade.gov.
The International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, manages this global trade site to provide access to ITA information on promoting trade and investment, strengthening the competitiveness of U.S. industry, and ensuring fair trade and compliance with trade laws and agreements. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein. This site contains PDF documents. A PDF reader is available from Adobe Systems Incorporated.