U.S. Chamber Joins Congressional Black Caucus to Highlight Economic Benefits of Expanding Trade

U.S. Chamber Joins Congressional Black Caucus to Highlight Economic Benefits of Expanding Trade

"Exports are Driving America's Economy," Schweitzer Says

WASHINGTON, DC—As lawmakers haggle over a near-term fix to stabilize the U.S. financial markets, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce today joined Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-NY) and the Congressional Black Caucus' (CBC) annual conference to discuss the importance of trade expansion to long-term economic growth.

"Exports remain one of the few bright spots in the current economy," said Leslie Schweitzer, the U.S. Chamber's senior trade advisor, while moderating a panel discussion at the CBC's 38th Annual Legislative Conference. "Congressman Meeks and the CBC understand that American businesses have an opportunity to create good jobs by embracing the benefits of trade.

"While much of the economy is sputtering, our continued push to expand free trade sends a message that we will not be missing in action in the global marketplace," she said. "This is particularly important to American businesses in light of the current financial crisis."

At the conference, the U.S. Chamber, the CBC, and leaders from a variety of Latin American countries that benefit from trade, highlighted how small and medium size businesses can leverage these agreements to create jobs.

"It is important that companies of all sizes come together to share information, network, and help one another learn more about reaching new markets," Congressman Meeks said. "It is pertinent for minority companies to learn how to build or expand upon their business and sustain successful companies."

"Now is not the time to close the door to trade, as some in Congress have suggested, but to support business leaders reaching out to new customers abroad by expanding trade," Schweitzer said.

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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