CA Gov't Code Section 13996.4

The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:

(a)

The statutory authority for the Technology, Trade, and Commerce Agency, including the agency’s international trade and investment promotion programs, was repealed by Chapter 229 of the Statutes of 2003, thereby reducing the capacity of state government to assist California firms in developing global business opportunities.

(b)

The repeal of the statutory authority for the Technology, Trade, and Commerce Agency has increased the importance of strengthening collaborative linkages among remaining California-based international trade and investment promotion programs operated at federal, state, regional, and local levels. These programs include, but are not limited to, the Centers for International Trade Development operated by the California Community Colleges, 15 offices of the United States Commercial Service within the United States Department of Commerce, numerous local and regional World Trade Centers, and public and private economic development and trade associations.

(c)

According to data for 2000, international trade and investment activity in the state supports one in every seven California jobs.

(d)

According to the Public Policy Institute of California:

(1)

Nearly 94 percent of all exporters located in California are small- or medium-sized firms. Over 90 percent of businesses in California are small businesses and over 50 percent of all workers are employed by a small business.

(2)

Exporters are more productive and pay higher wages than nonexporters.

(3)

Effective state programs supporting export opportunities should identify and respond to differing needs of both export-willing and export-ready firms.

(e)

The adequacy of the state’s infrastructure, workforce, research facilities, manufacturing and service industries, and access to capital form the foundation of California’s global market-related economy.

(f)

California’s multicultural and ethnic populations offer unique opportunities for international trade and investment.

(g)

United States subsidiaries of foreign companies in California employed 561,000 California workers from 2000 to 2005. This is an increase of 15 percent. In comparison to other states, California is an attractive location for international employers, ranking first in the United States in the number of employees supported by United States subsidiaries.

(h)

California’s trade and investment policy is a living document that should be regularly updated to reflect emerging business trends and the changing needs of California businesses and workers.