Larsen Supports Administration’s Plan for Export Promotion
For Immediate Release
Contact: Emily Halnon
(202) 225-2605
February 5, 2010
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) praised the President for his commitment to create jobs and grow the economy by increasing exports for American businesses. The Administration has set a goal to double U.S. Exports in the next 5 years, a move that could create 2 million new jobs.
“Investing in export promotion is a surefire way to create jobs,” said Rep. Larsen. “Helping our businesses sell their products overseas will create jobs here at home.”
The Administration’s proposal includes a National Export Initiative (NEI) to help farmers and small businesses increase their exports. The NEI will be the first time the nation will have a government-wide export-promotion strategy with focused attention from the President and the Cabinet. The President also proposed reforming export controls to be consistent with national security needs.
“95 percent of consumers live outside U.S. borders. This is a number we can not afford to ignore,” said Rep. Larsen. “Increasing opportunities for our small and medium-sized firms to access this market is going to create an economic boom for their businesses and grow jobs in our community.”
Last year, Larsen, Co-Chair of the U.S.-China Working Group, introduced the U.S.-China Market Engagement and Promotion Act to help small and medium-sized businesses export their products to the fast-growing Chinese market.
“As a nation we are severely underperforming in exports,” said Rep. Larsen. “I look forward to working with the Administration to pass legislation that will increase American exports overseas, create jobs here at home, and help build our economy for the long-term.”
Export markets are crucial to Washington state. One in three jobs are tied to foreign exports and one-third of agricultural products are shipped overseas. In 2008, Washington agricultural exports increased by 60 percent over 2007, and 116 percent over 2006. Washington state is the fourth-ranking state for total exports, behind Texas, California and New York.
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