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For Immediate Release: October 6, 2011
Contact: Mary Trupo (202) 482-3809
Enhancing Competitiveness and Innovation are Critical to Western Hemisphere economic success According to Obama Trade Official
Commerce Under Secretary Sánchez Calls for Continued Cooperation at Americas Competitiveness Forum
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Francisco Sánchez today stressed the importance of cooperation between governments and private sectors throughout the Western Hemisphere to successfully compete in the changing global marketplace. Sánchez made these remarks during the fifth annual Americas Competitiveness Forum (ACF) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
“Success in the 21st century will be fueled by cooperation and community,” Sánchez told attendees on Thursday. “We must help each other sharpen our competitive edges and build a better future for our peoples.”
Sánchez noted that as the world’s economic situation has changed, governments must resist the temptation to turn inward in order to exert more control over their economic destiny.
“This is the time to expand our economic imagination, and embrace the exciting possibilities for growth and prosperity that exist throughout the Americas,” Sánchez said. “No one country has a monopoly on good ideas and innovation. We all have something to learn and we all have something to offer. By coming together at the ACF, we are helping to pave a new path to prosperity.”
Earlier in the day, Sánchez reiterated President Obama’s commitment to forging new mutually beneficial partnerships with Western Hemisphere countries at the “Latin America and the United States: Vision 2020” plenary session.
“President Obama recognizes that the future of the United States and the future of the Western Hemisphere are linked,” Sánchez said. “That’s why we must build on past successes towards a better tomorrow.”
The ACF is the preeminent economic and commercial event in the Western Hemisphere where participants share best practices for enhancing the competitiveness, innovation, and prosperity of the region.
The full text of Under Secretary Sánchez’s remarks is located at http://www.trade.gov/press/speeches/2011/sanchez-100611.asp
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