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AN ACT Relating to international trade; adding a new chapter to Title 43 RCW; providing an effective date; providing an expiration date; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The legislature finds that:

(a) The expansion of international trade is vital to the overall growth of Washington's economy;

(b) On a per capita basis, Washington state is the most international trade-dependent state in the nation;

(c) The passage of the North American free trade agreement, the completion of the Uruguay round of the general agreement on tariffs and trade, and the establishment of the world trade organization highlight the increased importance of international trade opportunities to the nation and the state of Washington;

(d) The resultant new international opportunities created by these agreements will have a major impact on the state's agriculture, forest products, aerospace, computer software, and textiles and apparel industries;

(e) It is important for the governor and legislature to receive additional support and assistance on international trade issues that will significantly impact the state, its businesses, and its citizens;

(f) There is a need to strengthen and coordinate the state's activities in promoting and developing its agricultural, forest products, manufacturing, and service industries internationally, especially for small and medium-sized businesses, and minority and women-owned business enterprises; and

(g) The importance of having a coherent vision for advancing Washington state's interest in the global economy has rarely been so consequential as it is now.

(2) The legislature declares that the purpose of the special trade representative is to strengthen and expand the state's activities in marketing its goods and services internationally.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. (1) The special trade representative is created in the office of the governor. The special trade representative shall be appointed by the governor, and shall serve at the pleasure of the governor. The special trade representative shall be paid a salary to be fixed by the governor in accordance with RCW 43.03.040. Staff support and administrative assistance to the special trade representative and Washington trade advisory council shall be provided by the department of community, trade, and economic development.

(2) The special trade representative shall serve as the state's trade envoy with foreign governments on trade matters, serve as the state's liaison with the federal government and its agencies on trade matters, serve as liaison with congress on trade matters, and assist with the coordination of state trade promotion efforts.

(3) The special trade representative shall advise the governor and legislature with respect to trade matters affecting the state. The special trade representative shall:

(a) Consult with the department of agriculture and the various agricultural commissions, created in Title 15 RCW, on the international promotion of Washington agricultural commodities;

(b) Consult with the department of community, trade, and economic development on the international promotion of Washington goods and services; and

(c) Work with the Washington state trade advisory council, created in section 3 of this act, on strategies to assist Washington businesses to expand international trade opportunities.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. (1) The Washington state trade advisory council is established. The council shall consist of twenty-two members as follows:

(a) Two members of trade organizations, appointed by the governor;

(b) Two representatives of ports, appointed by the governor;

(d) Four representatives from the legislature, with two appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives and two appointed by the president of the senate;

(e) Two members with experience in foreign marketing, appointed by the governor;

(f) Two members that are experts in financing export transactions, appointed by the governor;

(g) The director of the department of community, trade, and economic development or the director's designee;

(h) The director of the department of agriculture or the director's designee;

(i) The special trade representative, who shall serve as chair; and

(j) Two ex-officio members, appointed by the special trade representative.

(2) Nonlegislative members may receive reimbursement from the department of community, trade, and economic development for travel under RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060. Legislative members may be reimbursed under RCW 41.04.300.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. (1) The Washington state trade advisory council shall:

(a) Advise the governor and the legislature on policies, programs, and activities to enhance the exporting of Washington goods and services to international markets;

(b) Review current state export targeting efforts and advise the governor and the legislature regarding markets with potential that currently are not being emphasized;

(c) Recommend methods to increase the awareness of international trade, especially its opportunities and importance, throughout the state;

(d) Study United States trade legislation and international agreements for their impact on Washington state; and

(e) Advise the governor and legislature on how to enhance the system of export promotion and assistance efforts of state and local agencies.

(2) The council may accept gifts, grants, donations, devises, and bequests to facilitate the work of the council.

(3) The council shall report annually, on its activities, to the governor and legislature by December 1, 1995, and each December 1st thereafter.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect July 1, 1995.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. This act shall expire June 30, 1999.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. Sections 1 through 6 of this act shall constitute a new chapter in Title 43 RCW.