Commerce, SIDO promote state exports

Commerce, SIDO promote state exports    The U.S. Commerce Department's International Trade Administration and the State International Development Organization on Wednesday signed a memorandum of intent to partner on assisting companies with exports of goods and services to new overseas markets.
   'Working with partners like the State International Development Organization will allow more small and medium-sized businesses to tap into resources that will help them find new customers,' said Undersecretary for International Trade Francisco S'nchez, in a statement. 'Through our network of international trade specialists in more than 100 U.S. cities and each state's trade office, businesses will be able to access assistance from experienced staff to simplify the exporting process.'
   President Obama's National Export Initiative set a goal to double U.S. exports by the end of 2014, supporting millions of jobs. The International Trade Administration plays a lead role in implementing the NEI.
   'A closer partnership between ITA and the states will provide greater access to export opportunities and trade financing for our companies and help to create much needed jobs in our states,' said Manny Mencia, SIDO's president.
   U.S. goods and services exports in the first half of 2011 are up nearly 16 percent to $1 trillion from the $887.6 billion in exports in first half of 2010. Texas was the largest state exporter in the first half of 2011, with more than $120 billion in merchandise exports. Following Texas were California ($77.4 billion), New York ($41.4 billion), Illinois ($31.4 billion), and Florida ($31 billion).
   SIDO is a non-profit affiliate organization of the Council of State Governments that represents the trade promotion organizations of the state governments.