U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Keynotes District Export Council Conference to Highlight Importance of Exporting
November 9, 2009U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke delivered the keynote address during the National District Export Council (DEC) Conference November 4 at the Department of Commerce.
This year’s theme, “Global Competitiveness and the Opportunities for U.S. Exporters,” focused on company survival and growth in today’s economy through exporting. U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ron Kirk, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Karen Mills, and Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank) Chairman and President Fred Hochberg joined Locke at the conference.
The conference drew members from nearly 75% of the DECs from across the country, whom Locke called valuable partners in a renewed effort to ensure the competitiveness of U.S. companies in foreign markets.
During his remarks, Locke stated that though exports account for nearly 13% of U.S. GDP and more than 5 million manufacturing jobs alone, “this administration understands these numbers must grow even more.”
Locke explained five key elements of the administration’s export promotion strategy, which include increasing the Department of Commerce’s trade promotion activities across the globe, business visa reform, export control reform, intellectual property protection, and intergovernmental cooperation. Locke has asked the Bureau of Industry and Security, which has jurisdiction over dual use export controls, to explore the elimination of dual-use export license requirements for allies and partner nations, and the implementation of a fast-track procedure for the review of dual-use export licenses for other countries that do not pose a significant proliferation concern.
Though he cautioned that much work is to be done to improve the nation’s exports, Locke stated in closing, “With the federal government fully engaged in promoting American exports and trade — and working side-by-side with the National District Export Council — I am confident that our businesses will be able to capitalize on emerging opportunities across the globe.”
