Commerce Trade Official Sanchez to Step Down
The Commerce Department’s Undersecretary of the International Trade Administration (ITA) Francisco Sanchez, announced his resignation on Sept. 3, said an ITA spokeswoman. Sanchez, who announced his plans in an email to 2,400 ITA employees, does not plan to step down for several weeks, the spokeswoman said. Sanchez said the U.S. must continue work to strengthen private sector competitiveness and ensure “fair trade” through enforcement of laws and agreements.
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Sanchez also praised a 41 percent increase in U.S. exports since 2009, noting exports totaled $2.2 trillion in 2012 and growth in imports surpassed growth in exports for the first time in five years. Sanchez said the introduction of the Obama administration’s National Export Initiative (NEI) proved critical in increasing exports. “Since the launch of the NEI, ITA has helped 22,000 companies realize $190 billion in U.S. export content,” said Sanchez. “At the same time, we have developed sector and market strategies that have led to progress in a number of areas including support of America’s manufacturing revival, greater focus on the supply chain opportunities, and ensuring that promotion of travel and tourism is both an ITA and Presidential priority.” Sanchez said he will return to the private sector, but the spokesperson declined to say where specifically. Email ITTNews@warren-news.com for a copy of the letter.