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Three-day conference will address key global trade issues affecting California’s economy

SAN DIEGO - 02/21/05 - The California Council for International Trade's 7th Annual Trade Policy Forum - scheduled this coming Wednesday thru Friday on campus of the University of California - San Diego - will offer a high-level dialogue on the international and national trends and developments that directly affect not only the country, but also California's position as a truly globalized "nation state."

The wide range of viewpoints represented will create a major public-private sector dialogue on the impact of trade policy issues as California firms try to enhance their international trade profile, according to CCIT.

Forum panels have been crafted to create a creative exchange of ideas on a wide variety of other topics including protectionism, post-quota textile issues, transportation infrastructure, continued US membership in the World Trade Organization and current and planned bi-lateral and regional trade agreements.

California-specific issues addressed at the forum will include Sacramento's current and future role in supporting California companies with global aspirations; California's trade relationship with Mexico; outsourcing; California's role as the nation's principal logistics "revolving door" for global trade; and educating the state's youth about the importance of the global economy as they consider their career choices.

A highlight of the forum is expected to be an initial discussion of how to reconcile homeland security and legal immigration concerns with the overwhelming need for Mexican migrant workers in key industries that drive California's success in the global economy.

Speakers at the Forum will include US Undersecretary of Commerce Grant Aldonas; Ambassador Robert Ellsworth of the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission; Dr. Abraham Lowenthal of the Pacific Council for International Policy; Dr. Howard Shatz and Dr. Jon Haveman of the San Francisco-based Public Policy Institute of California; and  William Reinsch and Anne Alonzo  of the National Foreign Trade Council.

Also participating will be Barry Sedlik, California Undersecretary of Business Transportation, and Housing; New Zealand Ambassador to the US John Wood; Moroccan Ambassador to the US Aziz Mekour; Costa Rican Ambassador to the US F. Tomas Duenas; and several members of the California Congressional delegation including Rep. Susan Davis; Rep. Darrell Issa; Rep. Bob Filner; and Rep. Xavier Becerra.

Co-organizers of the Forum include the National Foreign Trade Council; the US Commercial Service; the San Diego World Trade Center; the California Business Transportation and Housing Agency; the Foreign Trade Association of Southern California; the Washington Council on International Trade (WCIT); and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.

Sponsors include Wells Fargo; Lufthansa; Gap, Inc; Cange International; the Centers for International Trade Development; the San Diego World Trade Center; the Wine Institute; Export Assist; the California Chamber of Commerce; the Consulate General of Canada; UNOCAL; Mentor Intl; Union Bank of California; McKenna Long & Aldridge; the Port of Los Angeles; Pillsbury Winthrop; Bank of America; Qualcomm; and Otis McAllister.

Further information on the 7th Annual Trade Policy Forum is available by calling the California Council for International Trade at 415-788-4127 or by visiting the CCIT website at www.ccit.net.

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