Washington D.C. – Last night, the National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) Foundation hosted its annual World Trade Dinner and Awards Ceremony honoring Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy, Congressman Darin LaHood and Senator Rob Portman.
Leslie Griffin, President of the NFTC Foundation, delivered opening remarks followed by Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, NFTC Chairman. During his remarks, Secretary Gutierrez highlighted the need to work towards a trade policy that brings certainty to U.S. businesses competing in the global economy. “While 2020 is unlikely to be a year in which unpredictability vanishes entirely, we can all work to reduce it. And we can count on NFTC to help us analyze government actions, evaluate and mitigate risks and navigate this sea of uncertainty. Our leadership is more important than ever at this critical time.”
Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy, this year’s World Trade Award recipient, was honored for her work in leading a new generation of pro-trade Congressional members who understand the importance of the rules-based trading system in our economic success. In accepting the award, Congresswoman Murphy called for bipartisan support of trade liberalization policies and stressed the importance of deepening our economic ties in Asia, strengthening our trading relationship with Europe, and expanding exports of goods and services that support American workers. “Over time, Congress has delegated much of the power to impose tariffs to the executive branch. Now that the executive branch is abusing this power, Congress ought to reclaim its authority over these tariff decisions, especially because we are the branch of government closest to the American people harmed by them,” she added.
This year’s Trade Leadership for the Digital Trade Award recipient, CongressmanDarin LaHood, was honored for his work as the co-Chair of the Digital Trade Caucus and for his efforts to ensure that U.S. companies can thrive in the digital age.
“As policymakers, we need to recognize the importance of an open, global digital economy in the ability of American businesses and workers to succeed internationally. It is imperative that our trade agreements reflect modern technology and provide the necessary rules of the road,” he said while accepting his award.
The inaugural International Tax Award honoree, Senator Rob Portman, was recognized for his tireless efforts to ensure that U.S. companies enjoy fair and equal tax treatment across the world.
Accepting this award through a previously recorded video message, Senator Portman highlighted the role of tax reform in addressing the competitive disadvantage felt by U.S. companies who participate in the global economy and he stressed the need to push back against discriminatory digital services taxes around the world. “By lowering the corporate tax rate to just below the OECD average and moving into a modern territorial system we have managed to level the playing field for U.S. businesses and workers.”
The NFTC Foundation’s World Trade Dinner has become a valued tradition for guests including senior U.S. government officials, diplomats and top executives of critical global industries. This year’s dinner was held at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington D.C.
About the NFTC
Serving America’s Global 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 its member companies through its office in Washington D.C.
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