Oakland, Calif. – July 19, 2011 – U.S. Department of Commerce Under Secretary for International Trade Francisco Sánchez today announced a partnership with America’s seaports at the Port of Oakland to support President Obama’s National Export Initiative, which has the objective of doubling America’s exports, creating jobs here in the U.S. Under Secretary Sánchez signed a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) with American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) President Kurt J. Nagle.

“Our ability to ship U.S. exports to the rest of the world supports the creation of jobs in every state of our nation–with our greatest impact on supporting jobs in the manufacturing and agricultural sectors,” said Port of Oakland First Vice President Pamela Calloway. “We are proud to be able to host an event that establishes an important agreement between two of the Port of Oakland’s most valued partners, the International Trade Administration and the American Association of Port Authorities.”

Under the MOI, the Department of Commerce and AAPA will work together to help seaports educate new exporters–through workshops, seminars, and events that provide exporters with a basic knowledge of export requirements–to boost America’s export growth, and create more jobs. The event was held at the Port of Oakland, the only major U.S. West Coast container port that exports more than it imports. An exporter roundtable discussion followed the news conference and signing where exporters had the opportunity to speak directly with the Under Secretary.

The City of Oakland, Port of Oakland and Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce recently sponsored a Northern California MegaRegion Summit earlier this year in April, where eight mayors within the MegaRegion signed a first-ever MegaRegion Export Initiative.

“Today’s event reflects the very heart of the Port’s mission, which is to promote economic development, and key to our role as an economic engine for the entire Northern California Mega Region is our role as an export gateway to the world,” said Port of Oakland Executive Director Omar R. Benjamin. “To put it more succinctly, more boxes mean more jobs.”

Through its operations and policies, and the business activities of its tenants and customers, the Port of supports nearly 50,000 jobs in the region, and is connected to approximately 827,000 jobs across the nation.

About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport and 20 miles of waterfront. The Oakland seaport is the fifth busiest container port in the U.S.; Oakland International Airport offers over 300 daily passenger and cargo flights; and the Port’s real estate includes commercial developments such as Jack London Square and hundreds of acres of public parks and conservation areas. The Port of Oakland was established in 1927 and is an independent department of the City of Oakland. Web sites: www.portofoakland.com and oaklandairport.com. Visit us on Facebook and Twitter.

Media Contacts:

Marilyn Sandifur
Port of Oakland Spokesperson
(510) 627-1193
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