1808-S AMS TED S2677.2

SHB 1808 - S COMM AMD

By Committee on Trade, Technology & Economic Development

                                               NOT ADOPTED 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.

    Therefore, the legislature declares that an important public purpose can be accomplished through the development and implementation of a state policy on international trade.

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 as a subcommittee of the executive legislative committee on economic development created in chapter . . . (Senate Bill No. 5300), Laws of 1993.  The council shall consist of at least three members of the full committee and may include advisory members.  The advisory members may include a representative of trade organizations, a representative of ports, a representative of businesses active in exporting goods, an expert in foreign marketing, and an expert in export financing.

    (2) Advisory members may receive reimbursement for travel from the governor's office under RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.

    (3) The council shall:

    (a) Review past studies of state export assistance programs and current state export targeting efforts;

    (b) Develop a strategic plan to enhance international trade for consideration by the full committee, governor, and legislature; and

    (c) Recommend specific programmatic changes and legislative actions necessary to enhance and coordinate state export assistance efforts."

SHB 1808 - S COMM AMD

By Committee on Trade, Technology & Economic Development

    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; and creating a new section."

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