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

U.S. Chamber President 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,' Donohue tells Michigan Chamber

EAST LANSING, MI—Speaking at the Michigan Chamber of Commerce's 50th Anniversary today, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue highlighted a principal component of the 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," Donohue said. "We can create jobs in Michigan 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."

Donohue 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 and the consequences of 'Buy American' rules.

"Michigan's workers and businesses can emerge from this recession by building on their already solid position in the global marketplace," Donohue said. "More than a half a million Michigan 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 Obama 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.

Donohue's speech is available at: www.uschamber.com/trade

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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