U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker today kicked off World Trade Month 2015 by reiterating the U.S. government’s commitment to promoting international trade as part of the country’s business strategy to diversify and continue advancing the nation’s economic resurgence. U.S. exports reached a record high for a fifth consecutive year in 2014, totaling $2.34 trillion and supporting more than 11.7 million jobs. Exporting is essential to expanding our economy and creating opportunity for all Americans, especially as small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) experience exponential growth, hire more employees and increase wages as a result.
“World Trade Month recognizes and celebrates international trade but also raises awareness of the varied services the U.S. government provides to SMEs,” said Secretary Pritzker. “Companies that export play a critical role in job creation and the overall strengthening of America's economy. President Obama has set an ambitious trade agenda that will open up more markets to 'Made in America' goods and services, allowing our businesses to sell their products to the 96 percent of the customers that live outside of our borders so they can expand and hire here at home.” Events are planned across the country during the month of May to promote trade and investment and highlight the impact that exports bring to national, state, and local economies through job creation and growth leading up to World Trade Week, May 17-23.
“Today, a small percentage of the nation’s 30 million companies export,” Pritzker added. “In fact, of all the U.S. companies that export, 59 percent only export to one country. Increasing this number, even by a small percentage, could have a big impact on our economy.” During World Trade Month, Deputy Secretary Bruce Andrews and Assistant Secretary for Industry and Analysis Marcus Jadotte will lead 20 U.S. companies on a cybersecurity business development mission to Romania and Poland, from May 11-15. The development mission will promote U.S. exports and expand U.S. companies’ presence in Eastern and Central Europe by helping American firms launch or increase their business in the cybersecurity sector.
Also, as part of World Trade Month, the Department of Commerce will recognize export successes of U.S. companies at the 53rd Annual President’s E-Awards Ceremony on May 18. The “E” Awards celebrate significant contributions to increasing our nation’s exports and creating good-paying jobs. This year 45 companies from across the country that are growing the nation’s economy through increased exports will be recognized. Additional events during World Trade Month include: * May 4-7: Offshore Technology Conference 2015 – Houston, Texa * May 5: 89th Annual World Trade Week kickoff event – Beverly Hills, Calif.
* May 6: ExporTech 2015 – Newark, Del.
* May 7: OPIC Expanding Horizons 2015 – Detroit, Mich.
* May 7: Manufacturing Summit – Fresno, Calif.
* May 7: 2015 Governor's Export Summit – Jackson, Miss.
* May 11: NYC World Trade Week 2015 Kick-Off and Awards Event – New York, N.Y.
* May 12: Louisiana Export Training Program – Shreveport, La.
* May 12-14: Discover Global Markets: the Americas – Miami, Fla.
* May 13: Minority Business Development Agency briefing on U.S. government assistance for exporters – Denver, Colo.
* May 14: Orange County World Trade Week Forum – Irvine, Calif.
* May 16-22: Department of Commerce health care equipment, services and technologies trade mission – Egypt, Jordan and Israel * May 20: Global Sustainability: World Trade Celebration – Niagara Falls, N.Y.
* May 21: World Trade Week International Business Networking Reception – Portland, Ore.
* May 27: Export Workshop: Creating an Export Plan – Sanborn, N.Y.
To learn more about World Trade Month events or how U.S. exports impact our economy, visitwww.trade.gov. For companies interested in learning more about how to export their goods and services, visit www.export.gov.
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce
