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Governor Gregoire Unveils Recommendations to Enhance Washington's Global Competitive Edge

For Immediate Release: March 24, 2006

OLYMPIA -- Governor Chris Gregoire late yesterday at a trade reception in Renton released her Global Competitiveness Council's recommendations to increase Washington's ability to compete in the global marketplace. Her address coincided with the state's Trade Week 2006, an event hosted by the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED) and regional business partners.

"To compete in the global economy, we must rise to the challenge of global competition. We launched this council last fall to ensure that Washington does just that; that we continue to be recognized around the world as a place where businesses thrive, as a distribution hub, a source of world-class products and services and an ideal tourist destination," said Governor Gregoire.

"Neither government nor business can do this alone. However, government can work in partnership with our business, agricultural and educational communities to build our new economic engines.�

The International Trade Division of CTED hosted representatives from China, Germany, Japan, Mexico, South Korea and Taiwan at the event to promote further links with Pacific Northwest businesses.

Governor Gregoire reminded attendees that Washington already leads from a position of strength: the state exports more per capita than any other state in the nation.

To share in the world's increased prosperity, the council recommended that Washington must:


  • Embrace innovation, invest in education;
  • Encourage technological advances;
  • Market our superior portfolio; and
  • Demonstrate the political will to stay the course.

Council recommendations hinged on five overarching strategies for the state's approach to global competitiveness in an ever-changing world:

  • Invest in Washington 's human capital.
  • Invest in the state's physical capital.
  • Invest in Washington 's intellectual capital.
  • Market Washington 's superior portfolio.
  • Promote a stable, consistent political environment.

The council's five strategic committees made specific recommendations on: Infrastructure; Marketing; Political Environment; Research and Innovation; and Skills.

Co-chairs of the 35-member council are Judy Runstad, Foster Pepper PLLC and Alan Mulally, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.


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