The Washington Council on International Trade President, Lori Otto Punke, recently visited the Port of Vancouver, Washington as part of the Port’s community lecture series. The visit aimed to highlight the importance of international trade for Washington state’s economy and jobs, demonstrating the vital role of the ports in facilitating trade connections and fostering economic growth.
She shared her insights on the significance of international trade and its impact on Washington’s economy. The lecture, attended by various stakeholders from the local community, focused on how global trade strengthens the state’s economic foundation by creating job opportunities and fostering innovation. She emphasized the need for collaboration among local businesses, the government, and the ports to maximize the potential of international trade.
During her visit, she also had the opportunity to tour Dragonberry Produce, a leading exporter and importer of fresh fruits and vegetables. She met with CEO Amy Nguyen to discuss the company’s role in supporting the local economy, jobs, and farms, the challenges they face in the current international trade landscape, and how WCIT can help.
In addition to her engagement with the Port of Vancouver, she met with officials from the Port of Portland at the Portland Airport amidst its transformation. This meeting reinforced the importance of collaboration between regional ports, recognizing that their combined efforts can help overcome obstacles and promote growth.
WCIT continues to work together to advocate for policies that foster international trade and support economic growth in Washington state.
If you are interested in hosting Lori to speak to your group, please reach out directly at lori@wcit.org.
To see the quarterly trends in international trade for Washington state, please visit our Dashboard.
To learn more about the entire port system in Washington state, read our report here.
