Seattle, July 14 – Highlighting the importance of responsible trade policies to economic recovery efforts, the Washington Council on International Trade (WCIT) today identified the top eight trade issues that are critical to the Washington State economy. The WCIT 2020 Trade Policy Agenda provides updated data and information on these top issues as well as specific policies and positions for which the organization is actively advocating on behalf of its members.
“Education and advocacy are core to WCIT’s mission and the updated Policy Agenda reflects our ongoing commitment to actively addressing the top concerns that are critical to Washington’s future,” said Lori Otto Punke, President of the Washington Council on International Trade. “We encourage our members and all Washingtonians who have a stake in international trade to read the agenda, become familiar with the issues and provide us with their feedback that will help inform our efforts.”
The Trade Policy Agenda provides a concise summary of each issue, outlines WCIT’s position and areas of advocacy and contains links for additional information. The eight issues covered in the agenda include:
- Supporting our economy through smart trade policies during a global pandemic
- Advancing Washington trade priorities with China
- Strengthening our ports and freight mobility infrastructure
- Ensuring ongoing support for the EXIM bank
- Expanding digital trade opportunities
- Pursuing trade agreements with the UK, EU and Japan
- Avoiding trade wars and tariffs
- Supporting trade through international organizations like the WTO
“As the most trade-dependent state in the nation with approximately 40% of all jobs tied to international commerce, international trade will play a central role in any Washington state economic recovery,” said Otto Punke. “On behalf of trade-active Washingtonians, we are here to advocate for policies and investments on these important issues in a way that can increase benefits and opportunities for our state’s farmers, fishermen, ranchers, software and services suppliers, professionals, workers and small and large business owners.”
ABOUT WASHINGTON COUNCIL ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE
On behalf of our members – manufacturers, farmers, retailers, service providers, and non-profits – the Washington Council on International Trade advocates for pro-trade policies and investments that benefit Washington’s workers and employers. Trade paves the way for Washington-made goods and services to reach foreign markets, provides Washingtonians with products that raise our quality of life, and sustains family-wage jobs in numerous local industries. To learn more, visit us at https://www.wcit.org.