Washington DC – National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) President Bill Reinsch today released the following statement in response to President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address:
“Tonight, during his fifth State of the Union address, we were encouraged to hear President Obama highlight the importance of expanding trade and reforming our immigration system to U.S. economic growth and competitiveness.
“The Administration, Congress and the U.S. business community have a common goal – to grow the U.S. economy. With the United States currently negotiating some of the most ambitious trade agreements in our history – the Trans-Pacific Partnership, Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, Trade in Services Agreement and multilateral trade initiatives at the World Trade Organization – we have a real opportunity to do just that by expanding market access for U.S. goods and services exports across the globe.
“But, in order to maximize the benefits of these and future trade deals, we need updated Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). We urge the Administration and Congress to work together to ensure passage of TPA legislation ASAP this year.
“In addition to furthering our trade relations, we also need new immigration policies that position the United States to attract and retain the world’s best and brightest, ensuring long-term competitiveness. It is critical that Congress act quickly on immigration reform.”
About the NFTC
Serving America’s International Businesses Since 1914 – The National Foreign Trade Council (www.nftc.org) is a leading business organization advocating an open, rules- based global trading system. Founded in 1914 by a broad-based group of American companies, the NFTC now serves hundreds of member companies through its offices in Washington and New York.
