Washington, D.C. -- Congresswoman Terri Sewell announced that U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman, the chief United States official on international trade and a member of President Obama’s cabinet, will visit Alabama to meet with a diverse range of local leaders and to discuss the role exports play in the state’s economy as well as opportunities to expand trade.

Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield will join the Alabama Trade Summit to highlight the importance of exports for the state’s economy.

“I am thrilled to welcome U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman to Alabama where he will meet with local leaders from our agriculture and manufacturing sectors,” said Rep. Terri Sewell. “Exports help drive Alabama’s economy. Alabama businesses exported $19.5 billion in merchandise last year, which supported more than 95,000 jobs. Access to foreign markets and fair trade policies that benefit American workers are integral, necessary components that will help Alabama exporters to continue to thrive and spur new job growth.”

“Increasing Made-in-America exports is a key priority of President Obama’s Middle Class Economics agenda, and Alabama is an exporting powerhouse,” said U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman.  “I appreciate Congresswoman Sewell’s invitation to be here and see first-hand how Alabama’s exports are supporting well-paying jobs all over this state and discuss how we can unlock more economic opportunities to benefit workers, farmers, and businesses.”

“Our state strategic growth plan, Accelerate Alabama, has identified exports as an engine of job creation, and the Alabama Department of Commerce supports the goal of expanding exports through a number of initiatives and by leading trade and business development missions to countries around the world.” Secretary Canfield said. "It’s a priority for us to connect Alabama businesses to potential investors and partners in the global market because those connections trigger growth and create prosperity at home. We’ll continue to work hard to expand Alabama’s exports to destinations all over the globe."

###