WASHINGTON – United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai last month visited North Carolina to tour manufacturing facilities such as TW Garner Food Company, the Marsh Furniture Company, and textile manufacturer Glen Raven. Ambassador Tai also participated in a fireside chat hosted by Forsyth Tech Community College on trade in North Carolina and how the Biden-Harris trade agenda is delivering for North Carolinians.
Read more about what they are saying below:
Statement from Glen Raven CEO Leib Oehmig:
“We are deeply honored to host Ambassador Tai at our Sunbrella headquarters and yarn-spinning facility in Burlington, North Carolina to demonstrate how the right trade policies can help bolster domestic manufacturing facilities such as ours, facilitate employment, and lead to the expansion and growth of this vital manufacturing sector. We are appreciative of USTR’s review of the strategic textile sector as it diligently examines and shapes policies that will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the entire U.S. textile industry. During our tour, we highlighted the importance of Glen Raven’s contribution to our local communities and to the overall U.S. economy, while also underscoring the need for strong trade policies to maintain a vibrant domestic supply chain. Our industry has been navigating severe economic and global trade headwinds over the past several months and we sincerely appreciate Ambassador Tai’s commitment to gaining first-hand insight into the challenges confronting our industry in the global trade arena and continuing the dialogue we had here today.”
Statement from National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President and CEO Kim Glas:
“We want to sincerely thank Ambassador Tai for visiting Glen Raven today. We believe USTR’s development of supply chain resilience policies is a strong step in the right direction for helping secure the U.S. textile supply chain into the future.”
Article from Forsyth Tech News:
“In an engaging visit that showcased the profound interconnectedness of global economics, policy-making, and individual livelihoods, United States Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai shared her insights at Forsyth Tech during a fireside chat on Thursday, March 22, 2024. As a member of the President’s Cabinet, Ambassador Tai serves as the principal advisor, negotiator, and spokesperson on U.S. trade policy. But, this exceptional woman also serves as a bridge connecting the intricacies of international economic diplomacy to the grassroots level where its impact is most felt.
Ambassador Tai’s conversation with Christopher Chung, CEO of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, highlighted her dedication to understanding and integrating the human aspect of trade policies. She has been intentional about visiting and engaging with communities across the country, underscoring the significance of the direct implications of trade decisions on everyday lives. Her approach reflects a refreshing perspective on policy-making, one that prioritizes the welfare and aspirations of the American populace.
A focal point of her visit was the role of education and skill development in preparing individuals for a thriving future within the global economy. During an interview with local media, Ambassador Tai commended Forsyth Tech for its role in fostering an environment where people can grow and adapt to the ever-evolving demands of the international market.
The discussion delved into the Biden-Harris Administration’s economic agenda. The conversation highlighted the administration’s efforts in workforce development and the ongoing fight to secure a better deal for North Carolinians in the competitive landscape of the 21st century. Ambassador Tai reinforced the importance of a holistic approach to policy formation, one that carefully balances economic objectives with the well-being of the community.”
Watch the full interview here.
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