
Why this matters to the
Portland region
International trade brings a wide variety of
benefits to the region: jobs, higher wages
and investment. These benefits are
distributed across a number of industries, to
workers with varying educational
backgrounds, and to residents throughout
the metro area and across the state. An
improving international trade environment
will be a critical factor in economic recovery
in Oregon and the Portland region.
Increased international trade could play a
significant role in reversing or at least
slowing a loss of jobs from Multnomah
County and boosting the region’s lagging
wages. Early 2010 export figures show
strong growth in trade.
This is a competitive environment. Other
states and nations are working hard to
advance their international trade sectors.
Continued investment in transportation
facilities, reduced barriers to the
development of industrial land, and
supportive state and federal tax and trade
policy will ensure the competitiveness of
Oregon’s trade-based economy and the
retention and creation of family-wage, trade
dependent jobs.
Oregon’s leaders, public and private, should
focus closely on retaining and expanding
policies and practices that support
international trade as they strive for job
creation and retention. International trade is
an important key to a healthy economy, in
Oregon and in the Portland-metro region.