HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1162

BYRepresentatives Doty, Vekich, B. Williams, Kremen, C. Smith, Schoon, Amondson and Wineberry

Setting state guidelines regarding international trade.

House Committe on Trade & Economic Development

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (18)

      Signed by Representatives Vekich, Chair; Wineberry, Vice Chair; Amondson, Beck, Belcher, Braddock, Cantwell, Doty, Grant, Hargrove, Holm, Kremen, McLean, McMullen, Moyer, Rasmussen, Schoon and B. Williams.

House Staff:Stephen Hodes (786-7092)

AS PASSED HOUSE MARCH 20, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Trade and Economic Development was directed by the legislature in 1985 to assist in expanding the state's role in international trade.  The department was directed to identify and work with businesses in the state which could utilize state assistance to increase domestic and foreign exports.  The department was also directed to participate in activities to promote international trade, including international marketing of the state's products and services, sending trade delegations, and acting as a center for trade information.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Trade and Economic Development is directed to provide assistance and direction to other state agencies regarding international trade development and business expansion in order to provide for a coordinated state policy in this area. The department is to be guided in its role by:  1) the creation of new employment opportunities; 2) the degree to which new economic growth in the state includes the higher value-added elements of a manufacturing process or of a traded service; 3) the degree to which state actions regarding international trade promote the reduction of trade barriers; 4) the creation of employment utilizing natural resources in the state, with an emphasis on increasing the value of resources and on the diversification of the state's natural resource economy; 5) the creation of employment utilizing the state's competitive advantages in traded services and design services; 6) the promotion of employment utilizing the state's position on the Pacific Rim.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Representative Doty.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    It is important to give policy direction to the department regarding international trade.  It is especially useful to focus on the state's natural resource economy and on increasing the value of the natural resources of the state.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.