Governor Baldacci Signs Executive Order to Enhance Trade Opportunities

Governor Baldacci Signs Executive Order to Enhance Trade Opportunities

Governor John E. Baldacci has signed an Executive Order which will establish a committee to develop a plan to create additional international trade opportunities in Maine. The Governor signed the Executive Order Thursday morning and announced it at the Governor's International Community Breakfast in Portland.

"There are many different efforts taking place in this state," said Governor Baldacci. "We should work on coordinating our interests and take advantage of building economic development opportunities throughout the state."

The Governor spoke to about 125 people at the breakfast, talking about the highlights of Maine's involvement with international trade.

"Foreign Direct Investment has ranked Maine number one for quality of life," said the Governor. "We're the 8th fastest growing state in terms of exports. We must continue to compete in the global economy and sell the strong points of our state around the world."

Governor Baldacci thanked the World Affairs Council - the host of this morning's breakfast - for their assistance in the state's trade mission to France in 2005, calling it their most successful trade mission.

"The trade mission to France is still paying off for businesses in Maine," said Governor Baldacci.

The text of the Governor's Executive Order is attached below.

AN ORDER CREATING THE MAINE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS PLANNING COMMITTEE

WHEREAS, the arts and cultural resources in Maine provide a unique opportunity for the state to grow its innovative economy by increasing trade, not only in traditional goods and services, but in creative ideas and innovations; and

WHEREAS, reaching across cultural divides will enhance our understanding and appreciation for differing customs and traditions and will contribute to the expansion of knowledge and interest in Maine, its history and culture; and

WHEREAS, education and cultural interchanges and people-to-people involvements with sister-cities, sister-states and other foreign communities and organizations will broaden and strengthen the relationships between Maine citizens and those of other cultures and facilitate joint projects and programs; and

WHEREAS, expanded foreign language and culture education programs from pre-school through continuing education will enlarge the capacity of Maine citizens to contribute to international understanding, reduced international tension and conflict, healthy international trade and broader appreciation and understanding of cultural diversity in our own communities; and

WHEREAS, cultural and educational interaction opportunities can be greatly expanded through use of direct visits, cost-effective communications through the internet and the exchange of materials in various media; and

WHEREAS, an effective Maine program of international relations, education and cultural interaction and trade will depend on creative partnerships between State government, local communities, educational institutions, cultural organizations, businesses and trade organizations, building on existing experience with sister-city and sister-state organizations, voluntary efforts and the Maine International Trade Center; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, John E. Baldacci, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby order the creation of the Maine International Relations Planning Committee ("Committee").

Purpose

The Committee is created to develop a plan for a public-private partnership to foster and implement additional opportunities for Maine citizens, institutions and organizations, and businesses to engage in international education, cultural, people-to-people and economic interchanges, coupled with expanded international education programs in Maine.

Membership

1. The Committee shall consist seven members, who are appointed by, and serve at the pleasure of the Governor, one of whom shall be appointed to serve as chair.

2. A representative from other state agencies or other organizations not represented on the Committee can be called on to provide limited information or to participate fully in the Committee when, in the Committee's discretion, that person has responsibilities or expertise in a particular area that would be helpful to the work of the Committee. The Committee may establish sub-committees as necessary to work on specific tasks. The Committee shall consult with representatives of various international relations constituencies and shall convene at least one conference of interested parties from a broad range of organizations involved in international relations that can advise the Committee on Maine's international, cultural, educational and economic relations interests and potential programs.

Duties

The committee is charged with developing recommendations and a work plan for enhancing and coordinating Maine's public-private partnerships in cultural, educational and economic relations interests and potential programs. A report containing the Committee's recommendations and proposed work plan shall be submitted to the Governor, the Legislature and the participating organizations no later than December 31, 2007.

Procedures

The Committee shall meet at times and places called by the chair. The Committee may accept staffing, financial and other administrative or program support from outside sources as it deems appropriate to its duties. The members of the Committee shall serve without compensation.

Effective Date

The effective date of this Executive Order is January 11, 2007

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