The President’s proposal to double U.S. exports over the next five years and in turn create two million jobs will in part hinge on whether the United States can open new markets, including in these countries. This means that the Administration must act swiftly and without further delay this year to resolve remaining issues that stand in the way of bringing each pending free trade agreement to Congress for an up-or-down vote.
The President is absolutely right –The United States cannot afford to stand still or risk falling from number one to second place. China is maximizing its economic ties within Asia and elsewhere; Canada and the European Union have inked deals with Colombia and South Korea; and if we continue to wait to for a politically opportune time to take action on our pending trade deals, we will be second to our competitors in these markets. Now is the time for action, and we urge the President to advance the process as soon as possible.
We also appreciate the President’s call for reforming U.S. export controls and look forward to continuing to work with key Administration officials as they conclude their comprehensive review of the system and make recommendations. The current export control system is in serious need of modernization and for both our national security and our competitiveness, we need a system that reflects 21st century challenges and realities.
We welcome the President’s speech and look forward to working with the Administration and Congress in the coming months to advance the proposals he outlined.
About the NFTC
