Former Congressman Jo Bonner, who now serves as Vice Chancellor for Government Relations and Economic Development for the University of Alabama System, spoke during a half-day seminar that was hosted by Birmingham Business Alliance recently on trade agreements, including the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, and the benefits to Birmingham area companies. Bonner said now is a good time for exporters to voice the importance of trade agreements between Europe and Asia, since President Obama made international trade a priority in his State of the Union address this week and many across party lines agreed. He said discussions around trade agreements need to emphasize job creation and an increased tax base so more Americans will rally around international trade efforts.
Following Bonner’s remarks, local, state and national trade officials, as well as local exporters, explored exporting issues and the opportunities for companies under trade agreements.
