Dupage Policy Journal

U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL) and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker participated in a roundtable discussion on Tuesday detailing how low international trade impacts Chicago businesses.

The discussion explored how low trade increases exports and the free flow of data across borders, as well as strengthening intellectual property rights and imposing restrictions on state-owned enterprises.

“By opening rapidly expanding markets with millions of new middle-class consumers in parts of the world like the Asia-Pacific, we will unlock opportunities for American workers and businesses,” Quigley said. “Businesses in Chicago of all sizes and across all industries have the opportunity to benefit from expanded trade opportunities that will create jobs in Chicago and Illinois. In my home district alone, exports support more than 100,000 jobs. Imagine how many more high-quality jobs we can create by breaking down the barriers that prevent Chicago-made goods and services from entering new markets."

Pritzker said President Barack Obama's trade agenda is focused on improving American competitiveness.

The roundtable discussion was hosted by the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce.