CONTACTS: Linda Rozett/Jamal Ware
(202) 463-5682 / 888-249-NEWS

 

Monday, July 26, 2004

 

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Chamber of Commerce called on the national political parties to promote policies and individuals who will champion international competitiveness as a means to advance American interests, in a report delivered to the Republican and Democratic National Committees.

 

“Politicians must promote policies that keep America and its workforce as global leaders, not fall back to the failed notions of economic isolationism and protectionism,” said Thomas Donohue, Chamber President and CEO.  “If America is to remain a world leader, we must elect leaders who meet the global economic challenge head on, not shrink away from it.”        

 

The key to American economic prosperity is our nation’s ability to compete and win in foreign markets, according to the Chamber’s platform report.  The report also says that better education and lifelong training are critical to America’s global competitiveness and calls for vigorous enforcement of trade agreements and greater global protection of intellectual property rights.     

 

Other items for candidates for state and national office to consider include renewed emphasis on pursuing and passing trade deals, improving the investment climate to bolster domestic job creation, and legal and regulatory reform.

 

“The American business community is firm in its commitment to elect lawmakers who support free trade and pro-growth policies,” Donohue said.  “This election cycle, the Chamber will separate those who believe America can compete from those who’ve given up.”

 

The Chamber will evaluate the positions and proposals of candidates for public office and communicate those findings to its business members and their employees across the country.  The business community will work to mobilize support for candidates of both parties who have demonstrated a commitment to economic growth and job creation.

 

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

 

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 Read the Chamber’s “International Platform" (PDF)