SANTA FE, NM,  August 24, 2010 — The group, comprised of representatives from both state agencies and the private sector, will evaluate New Mexico’s current levels of exports and foreign investment and make recommendations for increasing export and boosting investment to bolster economic development.

“New Mexico’s businesses have unique goods and services to offer to a global marketplace,” said Governor Richardson. “Under my administration, we’ve seen tremendous trade growth in New Mexico and I want to make sure we continue to maximize on this success. This task force will make recommendations to reduce barriers to trade, provide assistance for companies looking to export goods and services, and help create better paying jobs.”

One of the biggest areas of growth has been through the Santa Teresa port of entry in southern New Mexico.

In 2008, the total value of imports and exports processed through Santa Teresa totaled $1.4 billion. This value increased in 2009 to $4.7 billion, and is expected to total $10 billion dollars in 2010.

Recent studies demonstrated New Mexico is well-positioned to expand exports and increase foreign investment.

According to a July Brookings Institute study, Albuquerque ranks 20th nationwide in export intensity and 4th in service export intensity.

Service export jobs, like finance, tourism, professional, and technical services, employ 26,498 people in Albuquerque alone.

The study also found that workers in export-related businesses earn 1.5 times the average worker.

“With three-quarters of the international marketplace outside of the United States, this initiative can help grow New Mexico’s economic sectors, from green energy development to food production, and electronics manufacturing,” stated Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Fred Mondragón.

The wide scope of directives to be reviewed by the Task Force includes:

• Increasing the export of New Mexican goods and services

• Elimination or reduction of trade barriers

• Education and workforce development pertaining to international markets

• Growing foreign investment in New Mexico

• The potential of creating a trade organization dedicated to supporting and encouraging international trade

The task force will issue its recommendations to the Governor in a report due in November 2010.

The text of the Executive Order is as follows:

EXECUTIVE ORDER 2010-037

ESTABLISHING THE GOVERNOR’S TASK FORCE
ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE

WHEREAS, three-quarters of the global marketplace lies outside of the United States and international trade is a major input to economic growth;

WHEREAS, one in five jobs in the United States is related to trade;

WHEREAS, exports are the fastest growing sector of manufacturing in the United States;

WHEREAS, exporting firms, on average, employ almost twice as many workers and produce twice as much as non-exporting firms;

WHEREAS, exporting firms pay their workers more than non-exporting firms and they are more likely to provide health insurance and pension coverage to their workers;

WHEREAS, exports are expected to be a major contributing factor to economic growth for the United States for several years;

WHEREAS, the President of the United States has put forward the National Export Initiative, with the goal of increasing exports from the United States by 50% in the next 5 years;

WHEREAS, the policies of the Richardson administration have led to a dramatic increase in the volume of international trade through the Santa Teresa port of entry in southern New Mexico. In 2008, the total value of imports and exports processed through Santa Teresa totaled $1.4 billion. This value increased in 2009 to $4.7 billion, and is expected to total $10 billion dollars in 2010; and

WHEREAS, the State of New Mexico produces high quality, unique goods and services which are valued throughout the world and the continued development and support of international trade promises lasting benefit to the economic health and prosperity of New Mexico.

NOW, THEREFORE, I Bill Richardson, Governor of the State of New Mexico, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the State of New Mexico, do hereby establish the Governor’s Task Force on International Trade (“Task Force”) as follows:

1. The purpose of the Task Force shall be to investigate and report to the Governor on:
a. Opportunities for increasing and expanding the export of New Mexican goods and services to foreign markets;
b. Opportunities to increase both expert and everyday knowledge of international markets in terms of basic workforce development and higher education;
c. Elimination or reduction of trade barriers;
d. Measures to increase foreign investment in New Mexico;
e. Entities that currently facilitate trade and foreign investment activities within the State; and
f. The feasibility of creating a trade organization dedicated to supporting and encouraging international trade, including how such a trade organization would be structured, what would be the mission of the organization, details of the organization’s membership, and how the organization could most benefit New Mexico entities involved in international trade.

2. The Governor shall appoint the Task Force as follows:
a. The Secretary of the Economic Development Department, or designee;
b. The Secretary of the Taxation and Revenue Department, or designee;
c. At least one member shall be a representative of the high technology sector;
d. At least one member shall be engaged in solar, wind, or other renewable energy activity;
e. At least one member shall be knowledgeable regarding logistics, freight, and transportation issues associated with international trade;
f. At least one member shall be a representative of the agricultural sector; and
g. Such other members as may assist in accomplishing the purpose of the Task Force.

3. The Governor shall designate one of the members as the Chair.

4. The Task Force shall convene as frequently as necessary at the direction of the Chair.

5. The Economic Development Department, through the Office of International Trade, shall provide administrative support to the Task Force, including the provision of trade statistics, research, and other information as deemed necessary by the Task Force. Other state agencies shall assist the Task Force as feasible and when necessary.
6.
7. The Task Force shall consult with stakeholders and other interested parties in the development of its recommendations.

8. The Task Force shall report its findings and recommendations to the Governor by November 15, 2010.

9. The Task Force shall operate until such time as its investigations and recommendations are complete and further activity is no longer necessary.

10. The Task Force shall be an advisory body that makes recommendations to the Governor and in no event shall make final decisions regarding policy.

11. Task Force members shall serve voluntarily and shall receive no pay for their services, nor shall they be reimbursed for travel or subsistence expenses, unless otherwise provided by law.

THIS ORDER supersedes any other previous orders, proclamations, or directives in conflict with this Executive Order. This Executive Order shall take effect immediately and shall remain in effect until such time as it is rescinded by the Governor.

ATTEST: DONE AT THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE
THIS 20TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2010

MARY HERRERA WITNESS MY HAND AND THE GREAT
SECRETARY OF STATE SEAL OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO

BILL RICHARDSON
GOVERNOR OF NEW MEXICO