Chamber Highlights Need for International Teamwork For Tsunami-Affected Region

WASHINGTON, D.C. – United States Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas Donohue expressed sympathy for the victims of last month's tsunami and outlined a five-point reconstruction blueprint that identified aid, trade, investment, information-sharing and regional facilitation initiatives as key drivers for long-term development for the region.

"Out of this tragedy, the strong people of the region will not only persevere, but will respond by building stronger communities than before," said Donohue. "Current aid efforts will be most effective if sustainable, long-term economic growth is promoted at the same time, by bringing business and government expertise together to address the reconstruction and infrastructure challenges ahead."

Donohue commented on relief and reconstruction efforts during a business forum at Chamber headquarters with U.S. Agency for International Development Administrator Andrew Natsios, the ambassadors of Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Indian government officials and representatives from the Department of State, Overseas Private Investment Corporation, International Monetary Fund and World Bank.

The business community is behind an unprecedented outpouring of corporate aid in response to the disaster. U.S. business contributions have already surpassed the $300 million mark in cash and in-kind pledges, making this the largest documented U.S. corporate international aid effort in history.

"Organizations in the region will have the lion's share of the responsibility for the reconstruction effort," said Lt. Gen. Daniel Christman, Chamber senior vice president for International Affairs.

"The U.S. business community is committed to working with those organizations and local businesses to provide technical assistance and logistical support as rebuilding moves forward."

Next steps for the Chamber include sending a corporate delegation to the region and working with the administration and Congress on a trade and investment package to help the affected countries.

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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05-11