Secretary Locke Unveils Details of National Export Initiative

On February 4, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke unveiled details of the National Export Initiative (NEI), which will assist in realizing President Obama’s goal of doubling exports over the next five years to support 2 million new jobs. The NEI is focused on three key areas: 1) expanding trade advocacy, especially for small- and medium-sized enterprises; 2) improving access to credit, with an emphasis on small- and medium-sized businesses that want to export; and 3) continuing the rigorous enforcement of international trade laws to help remove barriers that prevent U.S. companies from getting free and fair access to foreign markets. The NEI also creates an Export Promotion Cabinet reporting to the President that will consist of top leaders from agencies that can contribute to this effort, including the Commerce, State and Agriculture Departments and USTR. The NEI directs the USG to continue its efforts to remove barriers that prevent U.S. firms from getting free and fair access to foreign markets. The Administration will pursue trade agreements that are balanced, ambitious and improve market access for U.S. workers, firms, farmers and ranchers.

View text of Secretary Locke’s remarks