LEXINGTON, Ky.--As states strive to remain globally competitive, many state legislatures will be looking to foreign trade and attracting new investment from international partners.
The Council of State Governments this week released its annual listing of top 5 issues legislators will face this year in education, energy and the environment, federal affairs, fiscal and economic development, health, international affairs, interstate compacts, transportation and workforce development.
Catherine Bray, director of CSG's International Program in Washington, D.C., said the states' role in global trade will grow in 2015.
"Trade is big on the national agenda in 2015 and states will become a central focus as the European Union has placed high priority on greater engagement in state procurement markets in their free trade deal negotiations with the U.S.," said Bray.
While state leaders will need to consider the hurdles these free trade deals present, such as different regulatory standards between the U.S. and other countries, Bray believes states cannot overlook the potential benefits they offer.
"The increased opportunity for exports is an area states should really focus on--making sure their international trade programs are robust and prepared to help businesses take advantage of enhanced market access," she said. "Every state leader should know their state trade director and be aware of the ongoing success of small business exports in their state. Exporting companies tend to pay higher wages and show sustainable growth--even in a tough economy."
Bray lists export promotion programs as the top issue facing states in the international arena because of the potential they offer for growing state economies.
"State leaders should have the courage and foresight to invest in their export promotion programs," she said. "While there has been an increase in leaders working to attract foreign investment to their states, in the long-term, a strong exporting economy is a more sustainable force and will continue to create jobs. Once a company has learned how to export to one market, it is more likely to start exporting to others."
Other global issues facing state leaders are attracting foreign direct investment, international trade agreements, trade facilitation and higher education internationalization, according to Bray.
Learn more about the Top 5 issues in international affairs. For more information about these or any other topics, visit the CSG Knowledge Center.
The Council of State Governments is our nation's only organization serving all three branches of state government. CSG is a region-based forum that fosters the exchange of insights and ideas to help state officials shape public policy. This offers unparalleled regional, national and international opportunities to network, develop leaders, collaborate and create problem-solving partnerships. Learn more at www.csg.org
