This week, the Washington Council on International Trade (WCIT) – a special program of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce – announced its 2013 list of the top ten policy issues that Washington state employers have identified as being the most important for the increased international competitiveness of our state. Each year WCIT works with its members –manufacturers, retailers, service providers, farmers and ranchers, non-profit organizations and individuals who support a strong trade policy that benefits Washington’s economy– to select the most critical state and federal policy issues impacting Washington employers’ ability to grow the economy through international trade.
“Washington is one of the most trade-supported economies in the country, with more than 40% of all jobs tied to international trade,” said Eric Schinfeld, President of WCIT and Chief of Staff of the Chamber. “But there are still numerous barriers that keep our state’s employers from maximizing their growth and job creation. By advocating for policies and investments that increase access to foreign customers and suppliers, and that create a business climate conducive to success in the international marketplace, we can benefit all of Washington’s residents.”
2012 saw the successful passage of several key WCIT policy priorities, including re-authorization of the Export-Import Bank of the United States and approval of permanent normal trade relations with Russia. Similarly, the 2013 list focuses on policies that have the potential to be enacted this year, and are divided into three categories: 1) Major Trade Liberalization Efforts, 2) Changes in U.S. Policy that Increase Washington’s International Competitiveness, and 3) Sector-Specific Initiatives.
I. Major Trade Liberalization Efforts
- Encourage Successful Negotiation of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Regional Trade Agreement
- Negotiate a U.S.-EU Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership
- Negotiate a WTO Services Trade Agreement
- Support Increased U.S. Competitiveness in Trade with China and India
II. Changes in U.S. Policy that Increase Washington’s International Competitiveness
- Pass Trade Promotion Authority
- Increase State and Federal Investment in Freight Mobility
- Keep the Export-Import Bank of the United States Operating Effectively
III. Sector-Specific Initiatives
- Support Efforts to Reduce Tariffs on Footwear and Performance Outerwear
- Facilitate Increased International Tourism through Travel Visa Reform
- Reform the Harbor Maintenance Tax
For more information on WCIT’s 2013 policy priorities, please visit WCIT’s website.