U.S. Department of Commerce Official to Visit Charlotte to Discuss the Goals of President Obama's National Export Initiative

Local Exporter to be Honored with Export Achievement Certificate

CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As part of World Trade Month, www.trade.gov/worldtrademonth/, Ro Khanna, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce will visit Charlotte on Thursday to talk to Americans about how increasing exports supports and creates quality, high-paying jobs in U.S. manufacturing and service sectors.

President Obama has directed his Cabinet to make export promotion one of its highest priorities and to work across agencies to accomplish the goals of the National Export Initiative (NEI). The President set a goal of doubling exports in five years and supporting 2 million U.S. jobs.

The International Trade Administration's U.S. Export Assistance Centers in North Carolina will host events and programs designed to highlight the benefits of exporting to area business and community leaders.

Exports represent a return to an economy built around the production of goods and services. Exports accounted for 11 percent of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product in 2009. For every $1 billion in exports, 6,250 manufacturing jobs are created or supported. Every $1 billion of U.S. agricultural exports supports 9,000 jobs.

International Trade Administration

The International Trade Administration (ITA) is the premier resource for American companies competing in the global marketplace. ITA has 2,100 employees assisting U.S. exporters in more than 100 cities and 77 countries worldwide. For more information on ITA visit www.trade.gov.

SOURCE U.S. Department of Commerce