FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2008

GOVERNOR BARBOUR PROCLAIMS “WORLD TRADE WEEK” IN MISSISSIPPI

(JACKSON, Mississippi) - Governor Haley Barbour has officially proclaimed the week of May 18-24, 2008, as “World Trade Week” in Mississippi in celebration of the many benefits that global trade has brought to our communities.

“Today’s proclamation is a reminder that Mississippi is perfectly positioned to boost its bottom line by tapping into new markets abroad,” Governor Barbour said. “Newer export sectors such as automotive, electronics and sophisticated machinery have far exceeded the national average.”

The proclamation in Mississippi was part of a national effort coordinated by the U.S. Department of Commerce to foster greater appreciation for the value of U.S. exports to the global economy.

Since 2003, Mississippi’s exports have been growing faster than the national average. In the electronics sector, the values of the state’s exports have overtaken ten other states since 2004. Although recent gasoline prices have been a challenge, the automotive industry has increased to $525 billion export growth in one year, 2004-2005.

“Traditional industries such as agriculture and chemicals remain very important to Mississippi’s economy, and have grown alongside the national trends,” Barbour said. “We can’t forget that small businesses make up most of Mississippi’s economy and U.S. exports support millions of American jobs, including many small businesses here at home.”

Service exports are another area of great importance to the state, especially the small to medium sized businesses that make up most of Mississippi's economy. The service-based markets of today's world are incredibly diverse, and examples of their links to this state are everywhere. Whether it's high-tech companies from the geospatial industry finding new partners in France, Canada or Japan, or our airports working towards the state's first regular international cargo traffic, innovative international business relationships like these contribute vitally to the state's economic diversity and bring the unique benefits of a global economy directly to communities all over the state.

The explosive growth in e-commerce has allowed smaller American businesses to expand their international horizons, with over one billion Internet users outside the United States, many of whom are potential customers for businesses here at home.

Below is the full text of Governor Barbour’s “World Trade Week” proclamation:

WHEREAS, since 1935 the United States Department of Commerce has annually set aside the third week in May as a time to reflect on the importance of international commerce to our quality of life; and

WHEREAS, regional trade alliances have the potential to harness international trade and investment to benefit Mississippi’s economy by increasing demand in industries that export their products abroad; and

WHEREAS, since 2003 Mississippi’s exports have grown faster than the national average, especially newer sectors like automotive, electronics and sophisticated machinery; and

WHEREAS, traditional industries such as agriculture and chemicals remain important to the state’s economy and grown alongside national trends; and

WHEREAS, we recognize the importance of technological advances in the Internet and having modern and efficient transportation infrastructure to meet the challenges of expanding global trade; and

WHEREAS, this week we will recognize the importance of free trade in promoting prosperity and freedom in the United States and around the world:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Haley Barbour, Governor of the State of Mississippi, hereby proclaim the week beginning May 18, 2008, as WORLD TRADE WEEK in the State of Mississippi.