HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 5004

BYSenate Committee on Economic Development and Labor (originally sponsored by Senators West, Lee, Anderson, Conner, Warnke, Johnson, Sutherland and Bauer)

Studying colocation efforts in Tokyo, Japan, of the departments of agriculture and trade and economic development.

House Committe on Trade & Economic Development

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (11)

      Signed by Representatives Cantwell, Chair; Wineberry, Vice Chair; Doty, Ranking Republican Member; Kremen, Moyer, Rasmussen, Raiter, Rector, Tate, Walk and Youngsman.

House Staff:Bill Lynch (786-7092)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRADE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

MARCH 29, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Washington State has the stated policy of expanding international trade.  Pacific Rim trade is and will continue to be a major component of the state's trade picture.  The benefits as well as costs are increasing.  Efforts to consolidate programs and to expand the state's presence in the Pacific Rim have been suggested.

SUMMARY:

The Departments of Agriculture and Trade and Economic Development are directed to study ways of reducing the costs of operating their Tokyo offices.  Suggested ideas include cooperation or colocation with other agencies, ports, cities, other states and buying foreign currency forward.  A report, including specific suggestions for legislative and administrative action, is to be presented to the 1990 legislative session.

Fiscal Note:      Available.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Senator Eleanor Lee, Washington State Senate.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    This will help identify efficiencies in the operation of the Tokyo office.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.