Wednesday morning, Ambassador Kirk spoke at the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) Legislative Summit Welcome Breakfast to discuss the substantial economic benefits of international trade and to update the group on recent developments at USTR.
Ambassador Kirk speaks at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Legislative Summit (March 21,2011)
The event, focusing on the economic power of the Hispanic Business community, featured Members of Congress, and business leaders from across the country. The event was designed to connect Hispanic business leaders with policy experts, regulators, elected officials and corporate leaders to collaborate, network and champion polices that keep the Hispanic business community moving forward. Participants also engaged in discussions on how to spur economic growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Ambassador Kirk highlighted President Obama’s Blueprint for an America Built to Last, a series of ideas to build an economy that works for everyone by growing trade and ultimately creating more jobs here at home. In order to do this, the President is putting more focus on helping small businesses get involved in trade. Already, these new trade opportunities are taking effect -- just the other week, the U.S.-Korea trade agreement was implemented. The agreement will support an additional $10 billion worth of U.S. exports and more than 70,000 American jobs.
For additional information and resources, below are some key online tools to make it easier for small businesses across the country to get involved in trade and exporting
• www.businessusa.gov -- Business USA provides small business owners with the advice on how to navigate foreign markets and what financing options and trade opportunities are available for your specific needs. It also has the tariff search tool, which allows users to find tariff information on specific industrial goods covered under the U.S. FTAs. The tool shows the tariff applied on the date the FTA enters into force and the rates each subsequent year as the tariffs are eliminated under the agreement.
• www.export.gov -- This tool offers workshops for businesses ready to leap into the international market. It helps more mature businesses expand their exports as well as those who are just getting started.
