What Could Japan’s Entry into the TPP Mean for Washington?

by WCIT | Apr 2, 2013 | Free Trade Agreements, The Importance of International Trade, WCIT Blog, WCIT Policy Priorities

Last month brought the news that Japan is officially seeking membership in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) regional free trade negotiations. While many people at the national level immediately began pondering what this means for the TPP, your friendly bloggers...

The Governor’s Budget vs. International Competitiveness?

by WCIT | Apr 2, 2013 | The Importance of International Trade, WCIT Blog

Since the release of the International Competitiveness Strategy last fall, I’ve been repeating one phrase over and over again like it’s my job (it is): “If 40% of all jobs in Washington state are tied to international trade, then all of our policy...

WCIT is Hiring: Director of Outreach and Programs

by WCIT | Mar 29, 2013 | News, WCIT Blog

The Washington Council on International Trade (WCIT) is seeking a part-time (.5 FTE) Outreach & Programs Director. This person will report to the President and lead the organization’s community outreach, membership sales & retention and events planning &...

The State Legislature Doesn’t Know How Much They Know About Trade

by WCIT | Mar 22, 2013 | The Importance of International Trade, WCIT Blog, WCIT Policy Priorities

I’ve been spending a lot of time in the car between Seattle and Olympia with Sam Kaplan, President of the Trade Development Alliance. That’s not because I love Wagner’s cinnamon bread so much (ok, it’s not only because I love Wagner’s cinnamon bread so much), but...

What’s WCIT Going to Talk About In 2013?

by WCIT | Feb 25, 2013 | WCIT Blog, WCIT Policy Priorities

Those of you who are loyal readers of the State of Trade blog often wonder what topics you’ll see in this space. Will we be discussing port competitiveness? (Yes!) What about a potential EU-U.S. trade and investment partnership? (You know it!) 2013 is going to be a...

See You in the EU

by WCIT | Feb 14, 2013 | Free Trade Agreements, WCIT Blog, WCIT Policy Priorities

Let’s start off with one of the most important facts of this entire blog post. According to the AP Style Guide, the acronym for the United States is “U.S.” with periods; the acronym for the European Union is “EU” with no period. Not sure why there are no periods in EU...