WASHINGTON DC – In response to today’s announcement by the U.S. Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration (ITA) of new digital initiatives, including training for commercial diplomats overseas and new annual monitoring of digital trade opportunities and barriers in their Country Commercial Guides, National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) President Jake Colvin released the following statement:
“We applaud the Commerce Department for stepping up to support the success of American businesses and workers in the global digital economy. We encourage ITA to use its platform to call out significant digital barriers to U.S. exports, including local content requirements, and for leadership and attachés to address them head-on, helping American businesses of all sizes succeed globally.
“Today’s announcement responds to the desires of the overwhelming majority of Americans looking for strong U.S. global technology leadership. Over 80% of American voters agree that it is important for the United States to develop a digital trade agenda that helps American small businesses and workers effectively compete in overseas markets and are concerned that foreign regulators are discriminating against U.S. businesses to protect their markets from American competitors.”
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About the NFTC
The National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) is the premier business association advancing trade and tax policies that support access to the global marketplace. Founded in 1914, NFTC promotes an open, rules-based global economy on behalf of a diverse membership of U.S.-based businesses.
