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A new policy statement, declaring "Free Trade Among Nations", was announced by the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE). In recent years, there has been substantial growth of the exhibitions and events industry which has been a key element of international economic growth.
Free trade among nations benefits all economies, and the IAEE Board of Directors believes that the interests of all nations around the world are served best by the preservation and expansion of free trade.
"Trade shows require free trade to grow. Overseas exhibitors and attendees will not attend events if the hosting country erects walls and trade barriers. Our nation is a great nation – and great nations embrace competition and open markets," Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), producer of the International CES.
The policy specifically states:
- The United States Congress to extend the Trade Promotion Authority of the President to negotiate trade treaties that are subject to Congressional approval; and,
- To support bi-lateral free trade agreements now pending before it including those of Colombia, Panama and South Korea.
To ensure that facts are the basis for further discussion and consideration of these important matters IAEE expects:
- The media, especially the broadcast media, to exercise a higher degree of responsibility than it has heretofore demonstrated when reporting matters related to trade among nations. There are no reasonable linkages between the benefits of free trade and the serious issues attached to illegal immigration into the United States, for example, and to suggest otherwise is unfair and irresponsible.
To this end, IAEE will actively seek to correct misstatements that are intended to link the free trade of among nations with any issues that, while serious, may be wholly unrelated.
"By taking these initial steps, we hope to make a positive difference for those who are organizing exhibitions and events in the U.S. Promoting free trade among nations, will work to the advantage of everyone involved in the industry," said IAEE President Steven Hacker, CAE.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
