Booming Georgia exports support jobs and stimulate the economy throughout the country

The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) hosted the US Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez recently. He was briefed on the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project, toured the Port of Savannah and held a press conference at Garden City Terminal alongside Congressman Jack Kingston.

“Booming exports underscore the strength of American workers and American companies in the world marketplace,” said Secretary Gutierrez. “Exports continue to support American jobs and stimulate our economy in communities across the country.”

A top priority for Secretary Gutierrez is prying open global markets for US companies so they can continue innovating and competing to build a stronger American economy. Trade policies that enhance and facilitate, rather than hinder, international trade advance our Nation’s position in the global marketplace and promote economic activity and jobs here at home. The proposed free trade agreement between the United States and Colombia will expand trade opportunities between our countries, reduce and/or eliminate tariffs and other barriers to goods and services, and promote economic growth.

The Savannah Harbor Expansion Project is critical to ensuring the Port of Savannah is available to global markets. “We believe the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project will ensure that the Port of Savannah remains a burgeoning gateway for American Commerce and contributes to a stronger American economy,” said GPA’s Board of Directors Chairman Steve Green. “This project to deepen the Savannah harbor to 48 feet is critical to the continued success of Georgia's ports and the nearly 300,000 jobs throughout the state that rely upon the GPA.”

As the fastest growing port in the country, the Port of Savannah is scheduled to post record numbers again for FY2008. “Our exports now outnumber imports,” said GPA’s Executive Director Doug J. Marchand. “Record volume for Georgia’s exports is key to helping our nation’s fourth largest container port weather the current economic storm.”

Secretary Gutierrez is the 35th Secretary of the US Department of Commerce, the voice of business in government. The former chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Kellogg Company, Secretary Gutierrez is a core member of President Bush’s economic team.