For Immediate Release: October 5, 2012
Contact: Lorri Crowley (202) 482-3809
Commerce Trade Official Keynotes Greater San Antonio Hispanic CHamber of COmmerce's Inaugural State of Trade Event
SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Market Access and Compliance Michael C. Camuñez delivered the keynote address at the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's first “State of Trade” Luncheon on Friday. Before an audience that included Mayor Julian Castro, members of the San Antonio City Council and local business and civic leaders, Camuñez focused on the Obama administration's trade policy agenda, the importance of the U.S.-Mexico commercial relationship, and the implications of that relationship for the country.
Camuñez emphasized that creating jobs is a national priority for the Obama administration and that the administration continues to take advantage of every opportunity to expand U.S. exports, which is critical to this goal.
Camuñez provided an overview of the Obama administration’s trade policy agenda, including efforts through the National Export Initiative to support American business as it competes in foreign markets.
“The simple reality is that while the United States still has the largest and most diverse economy in the world, we are witnessing tectonic shifts in the realignment of global economic growth and development, and we want American businesses, like those in San Antonio, to have the capacity and resources to capitalize on these shifts. In the 21st century, we want to American companies to make, grow, and provide goods and services that consumers all over the world buy.”
Camuñez also stressed the critical role that the U.S.-Mexico relationship and the border region play in our global economic competitiveness. The U.S.-Mexico border region “is one of the most important commercial and trade corridors in the world,” Camuñez said. “Continuing to strengthen ties between U.S. and Mexican companies and encouraging cross-border trade will enhance our global competitiveness and support our efforts to create good jobs here at home.” He noted San Antonio’s strong exports to Mexico, which totaled $3.3 billion in 2011, more than several U.S.states.
The event coincided with the announcement that San Antonio has been selected by the Brookings Institution as one of eight cities that will be participating in the Metropolitan Export Exchange Program, which is also designed to promote the city's exports and attract foreign direct investment.
The full text of his remarks can be viewed here.
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