For Immediate Release: May 6, 2011
Contact: Lorri Crowley (202) 482-3809
Obama Trade Official highlights Exporting Opportunities During World Trade Month Event at Port Everglades
Under Secretary Sánchez hails launch of the Broward County International Trade Initiative
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Francisco Sánchez, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, joined Broward County Mayor Sue Gunzberger, as well as other local and federal government officials and private sector business leaders today to launch the Broward County International Export Initiative at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
The Broward County International Trade Initiative is an executive-led, multi-organizational effort to reenergize existing trade programs and expand export trade in South Florida.
“Trade is critical to Florida and critical to our nation’s economic stability. Exporting creates new markets which in turn create increased demand,” said Sánchez. “I am proud to be here today, in my home state, to launch this important exporting initiative.”
Sánchez highlighted the trade promotion relationship between Broward County/Port Everglades and other local, state, and federal partners and how this relationship helps create and sustain jobs in South Florida.
Prior to the launch of the Initiative, Sánchez participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the Ft. Lauderdale U.S. Export Assistance Center which recently relocated to Port Everglades.
“This co-location will further strengthen the already outstanding partnership between our two organizations,” Sánchez said.
Located in the heart of Greater Fort Lauderdale and the City of Hollywood, Port Everglades is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world. It is a leading container port in the Southeastern United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
“Port Everglades is very important in helping us achieve the President’s National Export Initiative (NEI) goal of doubling U.S. exports in five years, supporting several million American jobs,” said Sánchez. “America’s seaports are crucial to the success of the NEI, and are the nexus between the United States and the global economy.”
The United States officially celebrates World Trade Week during the third week of May. Throughout the month, the Department of Commerce spotlights U.S. exports and their contribution to grow the economy, put Americans to work, and support global competitiveness through a series of trade events and programs.
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International Trade Administration
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