Category: Press Releases and Statements

National Foreign Trade Council Honors U.S. Secretary of Commerce for Trade Leadership

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After 17 years, NFTC reinstates award for leadership in advancing open trade and investment

New York, NY – Reviving a proud tradition, the National Foreign Trade Council today awarded United States Commerce Secretary Donald Evans its prestigious “World Trade Award” at the NFTC’s Annual World Trade Dinner.

“Out of the many talented officials we have in our Administration, Secretary Don Evans exemplifies the spirit of the NFTC World Trade Award. Who better to receive the award than the Secretary of Commerce whose primary mission is exactly that of the NFTC – to advance global commerce,” said Bill Reinsch, president of the NFTC.

Evans was presented the award after giving the keynote address to the National Foreign Trade Council.

The award was last given in 1985 to David Packard, co-founder of Hewlett Packard Company. In February 2002, the Board of Directors of the NFTC voted to re-instate an annual Award given to individuals who demonstrate achievement in and dedication to advancing open world trade and investment.

The Award has been given to 47 Americans, including Government officials, industrialists, bankers, and shipping, publishing and association leaders. Past winners include Cordell Hull, Secretary of State, awarded in 1938; George Schultz (Bechtel), awarded in 1974; David Rockefeller (Chase Manhattan Bank), awarded in 1964; and William E. Brock (United States Trade Representative), awarded in 1982.

The award was originally established in 1937 by the Dollar Family of San Francisco in memory of Captain Robert Dollar, pioneer in American shipping and world trade and a charter member of the National Foreign Trade Council.

U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement Would Benefit U.S. Economic Interests

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Strengthening Relationship with one of America’s Strongest Islamic Allies in War on Terrorism Also Cited

Washington DC – A U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would not only benefit U.S. economic interests, it would also reinforce a relationship with one of America’s strongest allies in the war on terrorism in the Muslim world, said Bill Reinsch, president of the National Foreign Trade Council, in his testimony before the United States Trade Policy Staff Committee.

“At a time when many voices in the Arab and Muslim worlds are calling for boycotts against the United States, Morocco is seeking a closer economic relationship with America,” said Reinsch.

The NFTC is a founding member, along with the Business Council for International Understanding, of the U.S.-Morocco FTA Coalition, a diverse group of U.S. corporations and associations supporting a bilateral free trade agreement between the two nations.

“We believe an FTA with Morocco is in the strong interest of the United States. It will lead to the elimination of bilateral tariff and non-tariff barriers, boost bilateral and regional trade flows, and stimulate economic growth and prosperity. Importantly, it will lock in and advance major economic reforms in Morocco, restore competitive advantages lost by U.S. exporters as a result of the EU-Morocco Association Agreement, and demonstrate renewed U.S. trade leadership,” said Reinsch.

Tariff elimination under a free trade agreement would give U.S. exporters significant advantages over the EU as well as other competitor suppliers, according to Reinsch. “It will level the playing field and increase market access for U.S. goods and services to Morocco,” he noted.

In addition to the telecommunications and tourism sectors, there are likely opportunities for U.S. firms in the energy, transport, financial services, insurance, and environmental and water resources equipment and services sectors. An FTA would provide opportunities to strengthen intellectual property rights protection and support the development of e-commerce. Commodities that would benefit from an FTA include U.S. wheat, feed grains, soybeans and soybean products.

Furthermore, in “strengthening U.S. ties with a major developing country and close ally committed to trade liberalization and economic reform as fundamental tenets of development, a U.S.-Morocco FTA will demonstrate to other developing countries the strategic importance and benefits of achieving a bold agenda of multilateral trade liberalization in the WTO Doha Round negotiations,” Reinsch added.
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The agreement would be the first bilateral free trade agreement to be negotiated entirely under the new Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) granted to the President for the first time since 1994.

“A well-organized and rapidly concluded negotiation will send a strong signal to the world that the momentum for trade liberalization in the United States has been regained,” Reinsch concluded.

U.S.-South Africa Business Council Denounces Apartheid Lawsuit

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Washington DC – Following a preliminary hearing held this morning in Federal District Court for the Southern District of New York on a lawsuit for monetary damages against more than 100 American and European companies that did business in South Africa between 1948 and 1994, J. Daniel O’Flaherty, Executive Director of the U.S.-South Africa Business Council, termed the lawsuit “outrageous.”

“American business has nothing to be ashamed of for its conduct during the struggle to end apartheid in South Africa. On the contrary, American companies made a major contribution to undermining apartheid,” stated O’Flaherty. “Today, U.S. companies are making a vital contribution to South Africa’s economic and social development and to meet its most urgent need – the creation of more jobs.”

“The lawsuit does nothing to advance the real and present needs of the victims of apartheid. For the past eight years South Africa has given hope to the world by putting its past behind it and setting an example of reconciliation. This lawsuit represents a step backward,” he continued.

O’Flaherty pointed out that after 1977 most U.S. companies doing business in South Africa conformed closely to a code of conduct, the Sullivan Principles, and after 1986 were required by U.S. law to disobey South Africa’s apartheid laws.

William A. Reinsch, president of the National Foreign Trade Council, cited the danger of proliferating suits in American courts to address the misdeeds of foreign governments. “The increasing use of a 1789 statute, known as the Alien Tort Law, to bring lawsuits against companies in U.S. courts is an abuse of the American legal system,” he said. “American companies should not be held legally accountable for the behavior of foreign governments over which they have no control.”

The US-South Africa Business Council has established a litigation support group to assist U.S. firms with this lawsuit.

 

Robert L. Mallett To Become Chairman of the U.S. – South Africa Business Council

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Washington DC – The U.S.-South Africa Business Council is pleased to announce Robert L. Mallett as its new Chairman. Mr. Mallett is the Senior Vice President for Corporate Affairs at Pfizer Inc. Prior to joining Pfizer, Mr. Mallett served as Deputy Secretary of Commerce under then-Commerce Secretary William Daley.

“I am delighted to welcome Robert Mallett to the Business Council; Robert will bring insight to the Council both through his business and previous Commerce experience, which I think is most valuable,” said outgoing Chairman Lewis Booth. “The U.S.-South Africa Business Council enjoyed an excellent working relationship with Robert Mallett in his capacity as Deputy Secretary of Commerce. His extensive experience in U.S.-South Africa bilateral government and business relations will serve our members well.”

“I always appreciated the work of the Council while I served in government, and I am sure that I will enjoy serving and working with all of the members of the Council as its new Chair. I consider it an honor to have been asked,” said Robert Mallett.

The U.S.-South Africa Business Council supports the entry and success of U.S. companies in the South African market and represents their interests to the United States and South African governments. The Business Council is working closely with the White House and other U.S. government agencies, especially with the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office on plans for a free trade agreement between the United States and South Africa and the Southern Africa Customs Union. The Business Council is sponsored by the National Foreign Trade Council.

Mr. Mallett succeeds Mr. Lewis Booth as Chairman. Mr. Booth, formerly Ford Motor Company’s President for Asia-Pacific and Africa, recently became Senior Advisor in charge of Corporate Strategy for Mazda Motor Corporation.

Mr. Mallett graduated from Morehouse College in 1979 and received his law degree from Harvard University in 1982. He is based in New York City.

Shirley Puccino Appointed New NFTC Board Member

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November 6, 2001

Washington DC – The National Foreign Trade Council announced today that Shirley Puccino was elected to the NFTC board, effective immediately. Puccino is chief operating officer for U.S. operations of CIGNA International, Expatriate Benefits, which provides group benefits and specialized services to expatriate employees of multinational companies based in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

“The Council is particularly pleased to welcome Shirley and Cigna to the board because of their extensive experience and involvement in international human resources management,” said Bill Reinsch, President of the NFTC. “This is an important element of the NFTC’s work, and we have a great deal to gain from Shirley’s depth of knowledge and experience in the area.”

A health care insurance professional with 20 years of experience, Puccino jointed CIGNA from Aetna U.S. Healthcare. Throughout her career she has had various management roles including sales, customer relations, underwriting, and operations. Most recently she served as general manager and executive vice president of Aetna’s middle market segment. Puccino has a bachelor’s degree in public administration from the University of Scranton.

“Considering today’s environment, the importance of the NFTC’s work increases every day,” said Puccino. “A more productive workforce is key to rebuilding a strong global economy. I look forward to working with the NFTC and my fellow board members on human resource issues and critical trade issues we face.”

CIGNA International, the global business division of CIGNA Corporation markets life, accident and health insurance and employee benefits, including health care and pensions, in major markets around the world.

Contact: Eric Thomas
              Emily Kelley
             (202) 822-9491

Michael H. Jordan Elected New NFTC Chairman

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Washington DC – The Board of Directors of the National Foreign Trade Council announced today that Michael H. Jordan was unanimously elected to the position of Chairman of the NFTC, effective immediately. Jordan is a General Partner of Global Asset Capital, LLC, a venture capital firm, a partner of Beta Capital Group, LLC of Dallas, Texas, a trustee of the Brookings Institution, and former Chairman and CEO of CBS Corp., formerly Westinghouse Electric Corp.

“We are very happy to welcome Michael H. Jordan as the new Chairman,” said NFTC President William Reinsch. “He is a solid and proven leader who has been the guiding force in a number of successes in the private sector. His enthusiasm and expertise will serve the NFTC well.”

Jordan retired as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CBS Corporation (formerly Westinghouse Electric Corporation) on December 31, 1998 after having led one of the most comprehensive transformations of a major U.S. corporation. Before joining Westinghouse, Mr. Jordan was a partner with Clayton, Dubilier and Rice, a private investment firm based in New York City. Prior to that he spent 18 years with PepsiCo in a variety of positions, including President and Chief Financial Officer. From 1964 to 1974, Jordan was a consultant and principal with McKinsey & Company. Before entering the private sector, he served a four-year tour of duty with the U.S. Navy. A graduate of Yale University in 1957, Jordan received his MS in chemical engineering from Princeton University in 1959.

“With the economy in its current state, it’s crucial that we support and promote international trade and engagement – making NFTC’s work ever more important in helping to promote economic growth and vitality,” said Jordan. “These are issues worth fighting for, and I look forward to the challenge.”

Mr. Jordan succeeds Richard J. Swift, Chairman & CEO of Foster Wheeler Corporation who served as NFTC Chairman for three years and was honored at the NFTC’s Annual Dinner on October 10 in New York City.
 

Contact: Eric Thomas
              Emily Kelley
             (202) 822-9491

 

Supreme Court Rules Massachusetts Burma Law Unconstitutional; Judgment of First Circuit Court Affirmed

Posted on by Jake Colvin

Washington, DC – The National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) hailed today’s unanimous U.S. Supreme Court decision to strike down the Massachusetts “Burma Law” as “a victory for the U.S. Constitution.”

The Massachusetts Law was designed to deny state contracts to any company doing business in Burma. The Court ruled unanimously that the Burma Law impermissibly intruded on the federal government’s authority and was preempted by federal law regarding Burma.

“We are very pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision, which reaffirms the federal government’s predominant role in foreign policy and should help put an end to state and local efforts to make foreign policy,” said Frank Kittridge, President of the NFTC. “The Court’s opinion, written by Justice Souter, relied upon Congress’s “clear mandate” in federal Burma legislation to have the President “speak for the United States among the world’s nations,” noting that Congress’s “invocation of exclusively national power belies any suggestion that Congress intended the President’s effective voice to be obscured by an state or local action.”

The Court went on to state that “the President’s maximum power to persuade rests on his capacity to bargain for the benefits of access to the entire national economy without exception for enclaves fenced off willy-nilly by inconsistent political tactics.”

“The NFTC filed its suit because of concerns among U.S. businesses and agriculture that the mounting patchwork of state and local sanctions was threatening to seriously hurt U.S. interests – while at the same time threatening a coherent U.S. foreign policy,” said Kittridge. “Over 30 sub-federal sanctions laws are now on the books in states and cities across America. It is time for those jurisdictions to begin the process of rescinding those measures.”

“We continue to share concerns over human rights abuses in Burma, but those concerns can best be addressed through a coordinated, multinational effort. Our system of government was not designed to allow the fifty states and tens of thousands of municipalities to conduct their own individual foreign policies,” Kittridge concluded.

Read the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Crosby v. NFTC.