SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6223

BYSenators West, Fleming, Conner and Smitherman

Establishing an international trade and investment information program.

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 13, 1988; January 20, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass and refer to Committee on Ways & Means.

      Signed by Senators Lee, Chairman; Anderson, Vice Chairman; Cantu, Conner, Deccio, McMullen, Saling, Smitherman, Warnke, West, Williams.

Senate Staff:Patrick Woods (786-7430)

                  January 20, 1988

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 4, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators McDonald, Chairman; Craswell, Vice Chairman; Bauer, Bluechel, Cantu, Deccio, Hayner, Johnson, Lee, Newhouse, Saling, Smith, Zimmerman.

Senate Staff:Kevin Johnson (786-7715)

                  February 5, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS, FEBRUARY 4, 1988

BACKGROUND:

International trade and investment have become increasingly important to the economy of Washington.  It has been recommended that Washington establish a comprehensive information network that can serve the information requests of potential investors or trading partners and provide data on potential markets to state businesses.  In addition, information on trends in trade and investment is of considerable assistance to the Legislature in developing and evaluating trade policies and programs.

The Department of Trade and Economic Development's Advisory Council on International Trade submitted a report in 1987 recommending the establishment of a trade information network to more effectively promote Washington products.

SUMMARY:

The international trade and investment information program is established within the Department of Trade and Economic Development.  The program is intended to provide a centralized location for the assimilation and distribution of trade and investment information, including:

      --International trade leads which assist Washington businesses in exporting products and services.

      --Investment leads which assist in attracting investments to Washington State.

      --A listing and background information on trade-related organizations in Washington State.

      --A listing of businesses in the state which are involved in international trade or investment.

      --Information on trade tariffs and quotas encountered by Washington State products.

      --Export and import statistics.

      --A statewide industrial site inventory to assist in the location of new businesses throughout the state.  The Departments of Ecology and Community Development shall assist the Department of Commerce and Economic Development in compiling the site inventory.

State and local governments involved in international trade are required to assist on request the department in compiling and distributing the program's trade data.  The department is required to actively promote the use of the program's information services.  Additionally, the department's director is required to report to the Legislature by December 1 each year outlining the program's activities, effectiveness and legislative recommendations.

Appropriation:    $50,000

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested

Senate Committee - Testified: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & LABOR:  Richard Ford

Senate Committee - Testified: WAYS & MEANS:  No one