In announcing the National Export Initiative during his recent State of the Union Address, President Barack Obama set a goal of doubling international trade over the next five years. Recently, Theodore Johnston, Chief of Staff to the Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, spoke at the Disney Entrepreneur Center in downtown Orlando about this ambitious initiative and explained how Metro Orlando businesses can take advantage of U.S. Government programs to increase their exports.
On March 11th, the President signed an executive order establishing the Export Promotion Cabinet, a group that includes the Departments of State, Commerce, Treasury and other agencies. This is the first time that a National Export Initiative has been mandated and structured at the Cabinet level. His administration has also re-established the President's Export Council, which helps businesses get access to financing, enforces existing trade agreements and promotes U.S. companies overseas.
What does all this mean for our community? The purpose of this enhanced federal initiative is to create jobs through exports. As the President announced, a doubling of sales of U.S. goods and services abroad would support 2 million American jobs. We want to be part of that!
Here in Orlando, the Metro Orlando EDC is also focused on helping to generate new jobs and increase local companies' bottom lines through increased international trade. Business owners looking to expand their business through exporting will find information and resources available through the EDC's International Team.
Irma Stenman, the EDC's International Business Development Director, explains her role at the EDC.
For assistance, email Irma Stenman. For more information about the National Export Initiative, visit http://www.export.gov.
