1808-S AAS 4/16/93

SHB 1808 - S AMD  (S3253.2)

By Senator Skratek

                            ADOPTED AS AMENDED BY 000845 - 4/16/93

    Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

    "NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  The legislature finds that the expansion of international trade is vital to the economy of Washington state.  International trade-related activities currently account for approximately twenty percent of employment in this state even though only a small percentage of businesses do extensive exporting.  Washington's long-term economic prosperity depends on the creation and retention of jobs that international trade provides through providing an expanded marketplace for goods and services produced in this state.  Increasing the number of businesses exporting and the foreign markets accessed helps diversify the state economy and make the state's businesses more competitive by providing experience in the international marketplace.  There are many international markets that offer export potential for Washington businesses that are not currently being accessed, particularly several Pacific Rim countries.  The legislature also finds that there presently exists several programs and initiatives by federal, state, and local governments that have to be coordinated effectively within and among economic development organizations, state agencies, academic institutions, and businesses so as to enhance the sale of goods and services in foreign markets.

    The legislature further finds that a strategy to expand international trade must be integrated into a comprehensive long-term economic development plan, and that the expertise of the private sector can enhance the joint strategic planning efforts of the governor, executive agencies, and the legislature.

    Therefore, the legislature declares that an important public purpose can be accomplished through an international trade council that, through coordination and advice, can facilitate increased exporting by Washington businesses.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 44.52 RCW to read as follows:

    (1) The council on international trade is established.   The council shall consist of fifteen members as follows:

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

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

    (c) Three representatives of businesses active in exporting goods, appointed by the governor;

    (d) Three representatives from the executive-legislative committee on economic development created in chapter ..., (Senate Bill No. 5300), Laws of 1993;

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

    (f) Two experts in financing export transactions, appointed by the governor; and

    (g) The director of the department of trade and economic development.

    (2) Nonlegislative members may receive reimbursement from the governor's office for travel under RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.  Legislative members may be reimbursed under RCW 41.04.300.

    (3) The council shall:

    (a) Advise the executive-legislative committee on economic development regarding 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 executive-legislative committee on economic development regarding markets with potential that currently are not being emphasized;

    (c) Assist in the coordination of public export programs state-wide;

    (d) Identify for the executive-legislative committee on economic development current and long-term international trade issues that need to be addressed by the state in its long-term economic development plan;

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

    (f)  Study the impact of the Uruguay round of the general agreement on tariffs and trade and the north american free trade agreement on the state's small manufacturing and export firms, focusing on the competitive threats and opportunities presented by the trade agreements to the state's six most significant traded sectors as measured by the number of employees in the sector and the aggregate dollar volume of goods and services traded in the sector.  The counsel shall identify and utilize existing analyses, studies, and data from the federal government, national and state business and labor organizations, and educational and policy institutes.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.  The council may accept gifts, grants, donations, devises, and bequests to facilitate the work of the council.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4.  The council shall make a preliminary report to the executive-legislative committee on economic development on its activities by June 1, 1994, and make a final report by December 1, 1994.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5.  This act shall expire on June 30, 1995.

EFFECT:  The size of the council is reduced to 15 members.  It will be required to report to the Executive-Legislative Committee on Economic Development, created in SB 5300.

SHB 1808 - S AMD

By Senator Skratek

                                                   ADOPTED 4/16/93

    On page 1, line 1 of the title, after "trade;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "adding a new section to chapter 44.52 RCW; creating new sections; and providing an expiration date."

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