Quigley, Pritzker Hear from Local Businesses on Trade

Statement

Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) joined Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker at a roundtable discussion hosted by the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce to hear how international trade impacts Chicago businesses -- from increasing exports and the free flow of data across borders, to strengthening intellectual property rights and imposing restrictions on state owned enterprises.

"By opening rapidly expanding markets with millions of new middle-class consumers in parts of the world like the Asia-Pacific, we will unlock opportunities for American workers and businesses," said Rep. Quigley. "Businesses in Chicago of all sizes and across all industries have the opportunity to benefit from expanded trade opportunities that will create jobs in Chicago and Illinois. In my home district alone, exports support more than 100,000 jobs. Imagine how many more high-quality jobs we can create by breaking down the barriers that prevent Chicago-made goods and services from entering new markets. Thank you to the Chicagoland Chamber for hosting today's roundtable, to the many businesses for their insight and leadership, and a special thank you to Secretary Pritzker for taking time out of her busy schedule to meet with all of us."

"It was a pleasure to join Congressman Quigley and the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce for a robust discussion about the benefits of new trade agreements for America's businesses and workers," said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker. "The President's trade agenda is focused on enhancing American competitiveness and setting the conditions for the U.S. economy, our businesses and our workforce to thrive in the 21st century. Ensuring that our companies have access to some of the fastest-growing markets in the world is critical to the success of our firms and our workers. Simultaneously, these new agreements afford us the opportunity to set the standards for global trade far into the future."

"As negotiations over the Trans Pacific Partnership come to a close, Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker and Congressman Mike Quigley are working hard to ensure that the final agreement lives up to the high standards set through the recently passed Trade Promotion Authority," said Theresa E. Mintle, President & CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. "As the sixth largest export market in the U.S., Secretary Pritzker and Congressman Quigley understand the importance of trade to the Chicago area and want to know how businesses in the region will be impacted by TPP. This roundtable discussion provided an opportunity for Chicago businesses to inform the Secretary and the Congressman on what is needed to ensure Chicago remains a hub for trade and exports."

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