FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
CONTACT OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
202-482-4883

U.S. Commerce Secretary John Bryson today issued a statement in honor of May 2012 World Trade Month, which is marked annually by a series of state and local events across the country to promote U.S. trade relationships and provide resources to U.S. businesses looking to export their goods and services around the world. World Trade Week, which falls in the third week of May, is recognized by presidential proclamation annually.

“Throughout the year, the Commerce Department partners with public and private sector organizations to connect U.S. businesses of all sizes with opportunities abroad to help them export to the 95 percent of consumers who live outside the United States. These efforts are important in keeping the momentum toward meeting President Obama’s National Export Initiative (NEI) goal of doubling U.S. exports by the end of 2014, which will support millions of good-paying U.S. jobs. During World Trade Month, we pay special attention to the critical role that international trade plays in promoting economic growth in the U.S.

Time and time again, this administration has demonstrated its commitment to giving American workers and businesses a fair shot in the global economy. We continue to support trade agreements that will open up markets to U.S. companies. We are working to aggressively investigate any unfair trade practices taking place anywhere in the world. We have the best workers and the best businesses in the world, and we will continue to work to ensure our workers and businesses are competing on a level playing field. That is why my top priority as Commerce Secretary is helping American businesses build things here and sell them all over the world."

In addition to World Trade Month events and activities across the country, this month the Commerce Department will present the 50th Annual President’s “E” Award that will recognize dozens of U.S. companies for the significant contributions they have made in increasing American exports and creating jobs. Other activities will include the implementation of the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, which goes into effect on May 15, and local World Trade Week (May 20-26) celebrations from New York to Los Angeles.

For more information about World Trade Month, please visit www.trade.gov.