In the age of globalization the ability for U.S. companies to reach international markets is not just important – it’s essential. The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is a proposed agreement among twelve member companies which, if approved by federal leaders, would significantly reduce barriers to trade and cut the costs of commerce for U.S. companies in the Asia-Pacific region. Recognizing the importance of trade with this region to the continued health of both our national and state economies, the NC Chamber has added our name to the U.S. Coalition for TPP, a broad-based, cross-sectoral group of U.S. associations and businesses committed to encouraging federal leaders to approve this important trade deal.

Considering our state’s large manufacturing footprint and the growing importance of the Asia-Pacific region within the global economy, the TPP is especially important for North Carolina’s continued economic competiveness. According to data released by the Trade Benefits America Coalition (a separate coalition which the NC Chamber is also a member of), 478,300 North Carolina jobs are supported by trade with TPP countries, while 42 percent of the state’s exported goods are bound for TPP members.

The U.S. Coalition for TPP has prepared letters to members of Congress from all 50 states strongly encouraging them to support the TPP. The letter is open to all companies, business associations and organizations, and we urge you join the NC Chamber in including your organization’s name on the letter from North Carolina. A sample of the generic letter can be found on the Coalition’s website here (customized data will be input for each state’s letter). You can click here to add your organization’s name to one or multiple state letters by 5:00 p.m. EST on Friday, May 13. Add your organization’s backing to help us send a strong message to our Congressional leaders that North Carolina’s job creators support the Trans-Pacific Partnership!

Click here to learn more about the potential benefits of this trade deal for North Carolina.

Gary J. Salamido
Vice President, Government Affairs
North Carolina Chamber