U.S. Chamber Highlights Role of Trade in Creating Jobs, Strengthening Free Enterprise

U.S. Chamber Highlights Role of Trade in Creating Jobs, Strengthening Free Enterprise
'In a new global economy, we must choose to engage the competition, not hide from it,' Brilliant tells World Trade Center of New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS, LA—Speaking at World Trade Center of New Orleans today, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President of International Myron Brilliant highlighted a principal component of the Chamber's Campaign for Free Enterprise by outlining the ties between expanding trade and strengthening free enterprise.

"Now is the time to remind Americans that it was a free enterprise system based on the values of hard work, innovation, limited government, and open trading markets that built our great country," Brilliant said. "We can create jobs in Louisiana by reaffirming free enterprise values and expanding trade. Now is not the time to turn inward and leave the global trade arena to our competitors."

Brilliant emphasized the importance of trade by unveiling the U.S. Chamber's study entitled Trade Action – or Inaction: The Cost for American Workers and Companies. It shows that more than a half million jobs are at risk as a result of America's failure to act on the pending free trade agreements, the consequences of 'Buy American' rules, and the Mexican trucking standoff.

"Louisiana's workers and businesses can emerge from this recession by building on their already solid position in the global marketplace," Brilliant said. "Nearly 200,000 Louisiana jobs are now supported by trade, and tens of thousands of new jobs can be created if we knock down foreign trade barriers, resist isolationist measures, and help small businesses crack into markets abroad.

"In a new global economy, we must choose to engage the competition, not hide from it," he said. "Ninety-five percent of the world's customers live outside of our borders. The business community is looking for bold leadership from the administration to help us double U.S. exports in five years. That's the best way to create the millions of new jobs our country needs."

The U.S. Chamber's Campaign for Free Enterprise—which will be rolled out in stages this fall—is a multi-million dollar national advocacy campaign encompassing advertising, education, political activities, new media, and grassroots organizing to defend and advance America's free enterprise values.

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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