Yesterday, AEM Senior Vice President of Government and Industry Relations Kip Eideberg participated in a panel on “Trade in the New Era” during the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute’s (CHLI) 9th Annual Trade & International Affairs Symposium.
He joined CBS News political contributor Molly Hooper and representatives from Corteva Agriscience, Intel, Walmart, and WPX Energy to explore a range of trade issues and international affairs that affect U.S. global competitiveness. The discussion ranged from expected challenges and opportunities in the 117th Congress to how business and commerce have changed and will continue to do so because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eideberg on policies to incentivize and strengthen U.S. manufacturing:
“We do not have a closed economy in this country. Anyone who suggests that everything should be made in America is effectively advocating for a closed economy. A closed economy for the American worker will mean fewer jobs, not more. For [the equipment manufacturing industry] to grow, we need to have more customers outside of this country. To have more customers outside of this country, we need to be globally competitive.”
Eideberg on foreign direct investment:
“Foreign direct investment is not only critical to the U.S. manufacturing sector, but also the equipment manufacturing industry, which is about 12% of all manufacturing jobs in this country. The numbers only tell part of the story…I’ve seen firsthand how previously economically depressed communities…have been revitalized by the investment, in our case, by equipment manufacturers. They’ve hired American workers, they’ve revitalized Main Streets, they’ve invested in communities. And the jobs they’ve created have had a positive effect on the overall economy of these communities.”
The annual CHLI Trade & International Affairs Symposium is traditionally held during Hispanic Heritage Month. It is an opportunity for influencers in the public and private sector to convene to discuss trade issues that affect U.S. global competitiveness. This year’s event featured remarks by Lincoln Díaz-Balart, CHLI Chairman and former Member of Congress, U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), and Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (R-Fla.), among others.
Eideberg’s participation is part of AEM’s ongoing efforts to raise the profile of the equipment manufacturing industry and build stronger working relationships with the Hispanic community.
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