ALASKA WORLD TRADE CENTER PRESENTATION

Today Mr. Greg Wolf, Chief Executive Officer of the Alaska World Trade Center, briefed the House Special Committee on International Trade, Tourism, and Economic Development on its work. Rep. Mark Neuman is Committee Chair, and I am Vice-Chair. The photo is of Greg Wolf.

The mission of the World Trade Center is to assist Alaskans to successfully compete for trade and investment in the global market place. Alaska’s worldwide exports total 4 billion dollars – obviously, a “big deal,” because it’s nearly 10% of Alaska’s gross state product. That’s new, not recycled, money for Alaska. In fact, Alaska is one of the most trade orientated states in the nation. Exports to Canada are up 100%, exports to China have increased 41%, and exports to Korea have reached an all time high. That’s very good news. Geographically, Alaska is well placed for trade on the Pacific Rim – because we are on the Pacific Rim.

During the interim session when I’m in Anchorage, I attend as many Alaska World Trade Center functions as time permits. I especially enjoyed last year’s Alaska-China Business Conference.