Year-over-year container traffic at the Port of Los Angeles surged 16 percent last year, with a record number of exports leading the way, the port announced last week – and that’s helping advance the President’s National Export Initiative agenda that BizFed member Gene Hale of GLAAAC is involved in.The NEI seeks to double national exports over the next five years. “This is good news not only for Los Angeles, but cities across the nation,” said Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
Added Port Executive Director Geraldine Knatz Ph.D.: “The 2010 volume gains far surpass our initial estimates, and we’ve been able to facilitate some export opportunities in the past year through our TradeConnect initiative and increased networking with local business stakeholders. We want to continue that momentum and work with local business entities to advance the President’s National Export Initiative agenda. “
“We not only have the port resources to help increase export trade, we have a coalition of regional business and civic leaders focused on facilitating the growing dialogue on exports – identifying ways to help businesses here and elsewhere increase their export activity,” said Tracy Rafter, Chief Executive Officer of the Los Angeles County Business Federation (BizFed).
BizFed has facilitated business forums in L.A. and Long Beach to hear from local companies and will report findings to the President’s Export Council (PEC) through BizFed member Gene Hale, who chairs the PEC’s Small & Medium-Size Business Engagement Subcommittee.
To see the full release from POLA click here.
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