For Immediate Release: November 17, 2011
Contact: Mary Trupo (202) 482-3809
Obama Trade Official Reinforces Opportunities for Miami Businesses and Job Creation Through Expanded Exports
MIAMI, Fl. –Francisco Sánchez, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, wrapped up a two-day trip by addressing Miami business and civic leaders on the benefits of the recently approved Free Trade Agreements (FTA’s) and President Obama’s American Jobs Act and how they will create new job opportunities in South Florida and for American workers. He also discussed how the American Jobs Act will improve the economy and immediately begin to put more people back to work. More than 14 percent of manufacturing jobs in Florida depend on exporting.
“Our existing trade agreements are having a positive impact on Florida businesses. Exports to one free trade agreement partner, Chile, have increased by 171 percent since that trade agreement was enacted in 2004,” said Sánchez. “I am certain that the agreements with Korea, Panama and Colombia will have a positive impact on local businesses and ultimately lead to more jobs for Americans.”
Sánchez delivered the keynote at a luncheon event for Miami business leaders, hosted by the Center for Hemispheric Policy, at the University of Miami. The event, From Colombia to Korea: Opening New Doors of Opportunity in Global Trade, focused on the benefits of the trade agreement for American companies – both within the Americas as well as with Asia.
The Colombia, Panama and South Korea trade agreements will open new opportunities for American companies to sell their products and will have far-reaching benefits for Florida businesses. The FTA’s help advance the President’s National Export Initiative launched in 2010, with a goal to double U.S. exports by the end of 2014 creating tens of thousands of jobs.
Also, while in Miami, Sánchez addressed the Americas Business Council’s Continuity Forum where he discussed competitiveness in the Western Hemisphere and supply chain opportunities. He also recognized the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) for their work with Miami International Airport and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB) in creating a welcoming environment for international visitors. “International travelers to the U.S are our largest services export and one that is vitally important to Florida. I congratulate the GMCVB , Miami International Airport and CBP for their efforts to make South Florida an inviting destination,” Sánchez said.
Miami is one of the top 10 U.S. cities visited by international travelers. Travel and tourism accounted for more than $134 billion in U.S. exports in 2010. International visitors to the United States supported 1.1 million jobs in 2010.
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