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Deputay Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing
Peter M. Perez
Presentation of the Market Development Cooperator Program Award to
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)
Wednesday, November 1, 2011
Las Vegas, Nevada
As prepared for delivery
Good evening. It is a pleasure for me to visit this tremendous show for the first time and to present SEMA with its Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP) Award!
I’m told that many of SEMA’s members have turned their hobby and enthusiasm for cars into careers and businesses – and their passion for the industry is certainly evident by the amount of creative and innovative products displayed at this show.
I would like to begin by congratulating all of tonight’s Global Media Award winners. These awards truly demonstrate the international appeal of U.S. automotive specialty products. It’s great to see SEMA showcasing these new products and celebrating U.S. innovation.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank members of the international media and the international buyers who have traveled to the show – your support of our industry is greatly appreciated.
My organization, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration works to enhance the global competitiveness of U.S. industry by promoting U.S. exports and addressing barriers that prevent U.S. companies from getting free and fair access to foreign markets.
SEMA has worked closely with the International Trade Administration for many years to help increase the exports of specialty products.
The Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP) Award will allow us to collaborate even further over the next three years.
The MDCP award is given to non-profit organizations for innovative projects that enhance their industry’s competitive position. Since MDCP’s inception in 1993, the program has issued 112 awards. In an average year, MDCP projects generate $229 million in U.S. exports.
On average from 1997 to 2010, for every $1 of MDCP awards made, the projects generated $124 in exports.
SEMA was one of only 5 organizations selected this year to receive funding from a pool of 48 applicants.
SEMA’s award will help SEMA members to sell to the fast-growing automotive markets in the Middle East and China. The project includes trade promotion activities as well as efforts to ensure equal access for U.S. manufacturers.
In addition to providing market research for SEMA members for these markets, we will work together to plan annual business development conferences to the United Arab Emirates (“UAE”) and to China, as well as work with UAE and Chinese government officials as they develop laws and regulations governing the specialty-equipment industry.
As you may know, President Obama announced the National Export Initiative in his 2010 State of the Union address and set a goal of doubling U.S. exports over five years to support millions of American jobs and to increase American competitiveness.
Our partnership with SEMA through the MDCP Award is a great avenue to help support the President’ Initiative, and we look forward to working closer with you and your members over the next three years.
It is my pleasure to present this award to Scooter Brothers on behalf of SEMA....congratulations!
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