Our nation’s success in the global economy starts in the states. State economies are increasingly global in terms of both markets and competition. In addition to multi-national corporations, many more small and medium-sized U.S.-based companies are competing worldwide. States foster and encourage innovation, support industry sector clusters and champion linkages between private firms, academic institutions and the public sector. 

Governors recognize that the global marketplace presents both challenges and opportunities for commerce and affirm that a focus on trade and investment can support our nation’s economic growth and prosperity. To this end, the National Governors Association has used its position on the President’s Export Council, which has been aggressively engaged over the past year in developing strategies and actions to boost exports. Opportunities continue to exist for governors to lead efforts to grow their state economies by promoting the export of goods and services and attracting international investment. Trade agreements that respect state and local laws can help create open, transparent and fair global markets. Lowering barriers to legitimate domestic and international business and leisure travel helps promote trade and investment.

NGA Policy
EDC-1. Commerce presents guiding principles for the federal role in economic development and commerce and outlines state perspectives on federal programs that support economic development and commerce. Governors believe that commerce is the engine of economic development and job creation. Any federal regulatory framework that governs an industry sector should strive to complement, not undermine a state’s ability to promote economic development and commerce in that sector.

Committee Material:
May 20, 2011 Trade and Export Seminar, Part I
The NGA Economic Development and Commerce and Natural Resources Committees jointly hosted a half-day trade and export seminar featuring officials from the U.S. Department of Commerce to discuss opportunities for states and federal agencies to work together to promote investment and trade. The seminar featured four sessions:

  • The Federal Role in Promoting Exports: topics include efforts to localize the National Export Initiative and to bolster consultation with states. Audio link (wma)
  • Building Trade and Investment Capacity: topics include resources for states and regions through the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to leverage regional strengths. Audio link (wma)
  • The Federal Role in Promoting Foreign Investment: topics include U.S. foreign direct investment trends, impacts on the U.S. economy and efforts to connect investors with states. Audio link (wma)
  • CommerceConnect Services to Coordinate Federal Resources for Businesses: topics include cross-training efforts of federal agency staff to connect businesses to federal resources. Audio link (wma)

June 10, 2011 Trade and Export Seminar, Part II
The NGA Economic Development and Commerce and Natural Resources Committees jointly hosted a half-day trade and export seminar with representatives from the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service, and the U.S. Department of Energy to highlight tools and partnership opportunities with states. The seminar featured four sessions:

  • SBA’s Trade and Export Promotion Initiatives: topics include barriers to small business entry to export markets, SBA services for small businesses and an update on the State Trade and Export Promotion program. Audio link (wma)
  • An Overview of U.S.-China Relations from USTR’s Perspective: topics include U.S. economic and climate policy priorities, intellectual property concerns and investment challenges associated with negotiations with China.
  • Perspectives on U.S.-China Agricultural Trade: topics include the U.S.-China agriculture trade balance, food safety concerns and bilateral agricultural trade forums.
    Audio link (wma)
  • U.S.-China Energy Partnerships: topics include building relationships to enhance research and development, commercialization and bilateral clean energy initiatives. Audio link (wma)

May 17, 2011 Attracting Foreign Direct Investment into the States
The NGA Economic Development and Commerce Committee hosted a briefing for governors' staff about the role of foreign direct investment from the perspective of U.S. subsidiaries of foreign parent companies. Topics discussed included how to recruit investment, tax challenges, conflict-of-laws and the importance of physical infrastructure to global competitiveness. Panelists: Tom Langan, director of U.S. government relations and public affairs, Unilever (NGA Corporate Fellow); Nancy McLernon, president and CEO, Organization for International Investment (OFII); and John Lettieri, senior director of public policy and government affairs, OFII. Audio link (mp3)

Additional Resources