WASHINGTON—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today released the following statement after meeting the National Association of Manufactures (NAM) and NAM President and CEO John Engler and NAM members: "America’s manufacturers and manufacturing workers contribute greatly to the health and strength of our economy. In 2005, manufacturing’s share of the GDP was 12 percent. And wage rates, profits, exports and production have all increased in 2006. We need to continue to push President Bush’s agenda to further open overseas markets, keep taxes low, expand export opportunities and allow U.S. businesses to create jobs and flourish.
"When it comes to China, exports are up 35 percent. However, there is still more to do to further open China’s market and protect intellectual property. Later this month, I will join Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and other members of the Administration’s economic team at the inaugural meeting of the U.S. – China Strategic Economic Dialogue in Beijing. The Bush Administration is working aggressively to ensure that American exporters have the opportunity to compete on a level playing field.
"I appreciated hearing from Governor Engler and NAM members directly about their views on how we can strengthen our manufacturing sector and boost manufacturing exports.
"U.S. manufacturers can compete and win in the global marketplace, but competition must be fair. I commend NAM’s leadership for its dedication to end unfair trade with China." Secretary Gutierrez recently led a business delegation of 25 companies to China, 10 of which are NAM members.
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce
