National Export Strategy 2002 - International Trade Administration ...

Letter from the President The advancement of trade around the world is one of the highest priorities of my Presidency. <strong>Trade</strong> is critical to our economic growth and prosperity, and to the ability of developing countries to lift themselves out of poverty. We have launched new global trade negotiations in Doha, completed the accession of China and Taiwan into the World <strong>Trade</strong> Organization, and are moving ahead to complete negotiations for the Free <strong>Trade</strong> Area of the Americas and, bilaterally, with Chile and Singapore. The granting of <strong>Trade</strong> Promotion Authority would further allow us to recapture the initiative in opening new markets for American goods and services. A successful trade policy also requires that U.S. companies obtain the information, expertise, and financing they need to take full advantage of trade opportunities that will benefit our workers, farmers, and communities. This report addresses a key strategy of our trade agenda and lays the foundation for what we intend to accomplish with our investment, trade promotion, and trade finance programs during my <strong>Administration</strong>. This is the first <strong>National</strong> <strong>Export</strong> <strong>Strategy</strong> of my <strong>Administration</strong>. It sets our course toward a world-class system of Federal programs that are coordinated, leveraged, and focused on the tools small and large U.S. companies need most to take advantage of emerging trade opportunities. I commend Secretary Donald Evans for reinvigorating the <strong>Trade</strong> Promotion Coordinating Committee (TPCC) as a management tool dedicated to achieving world-class trade programs by addressing customer needs and concerns. This effort is also part of my <strong>Administration</strong>’s Management Agenda which seeks to shift the emphasis of Government toward results, responsiveness, and leveraging of resources across agencies to better accomplish our objectives. Our <strong>Export</strong> <strong>Strategy</strong>, beginning with this report, provides our exporters and investors with the tools they need to compete as we negotiate agreements that create new opportunities for U.S. goods and services. These recommendations are built on a solid base of direct input from the customers we serve, with particular attention given to small businesses – the backbone of the American economy. The great strength of the American economy is the spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship, and competitiveness that drives our industry, agriculture, and service businesses. Government can play a crucial role in fostering a supportive environment for trade that will unlock this potential and provide opportunities for American companies. This report sets a strong course and empowers and commits the TPCC agencies to follow through. George W. Bush v