2011 National Export Strategy report released

2011 National Export Strategy report released    The White House, on behalf of the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee (TPCC), Tuesday released to Congress the 2011 National Export Strategy: Powering the National Export Initiative.
   The report reinforces the importance of U.S. exports of goods and services, which in 2010 totaled $1.84 trillion, an increase of about 17 percent over 2009 levels, and supported more than 9 million U.S. jobs.
   Starting with this report, the annual National Export Strategy will track and measure the federal government's progress in implementing the president's National Export Initiative (NEI).
   President Obama announced the NEI in 2010 and set the goal of doubling U.S. exports by the end of 2014 to support millions of American jobs. This year's National Export Strategy outlines progress made to date on the NEI and identifies the administration's areas of focus for 2011.
   The release of this year's report marks the first time all 18 trade agencies have agreed-upon common metrics to measure export promotion.
   'It's important progress and another sign of the Obama administration's commitment to getting all of the federal government's trade agencies to work together to help American businesses sell more abroad,' said Francisco S'nchez, Commerce undersecretary for international trade, the agency responsible for coordination of the work of the TPCC.
   The TPCC will assess new opportunities and seek new ways for its agencies to improve coordination and increase effectiveness.
   The National Export Strategy identifies the four areas of focus during 2011:
   ' Collaborating with states, metropolitan areas and border communities to help U.S. companies successfully export worldwide.
   ' Encouraging exports by U.S. companies selling technologies in high-growth sectors.
   ' Ensuring better data and measurement of U.S. services sector exporting.
   ' Removing barriers to trade, including through passage of the South Korea, Colombia and Panama trade agreements.

Locke

   'Creating and sustaining U.S. jobs by increasing the pace of export growth and fulfilling the president's National Export Initiative requires a team effort and a comprehensive national export strategy,' said Commerce Secretary Gary Locke in a statement. 'This year's National Export Strategy strives for greater government accountability and transparency.'
   The 2011 National Export Strategy report is available at trade.gov and export.gov.