The Need for Innovation in International Trade: A Conversation with Under Secretary for International Trade at the Department of Commerce, The Honorable Gilbert Kaplan

On October 18, 2018, the Meridian Corporate Council partnered with PhRMA to a host a discussion on the state of international trade. This roundtable featured The Honorable Gilbert Kaplan, Under Secretary for International Trade at the U.S. Department of Commerce, and gave companies an exclusive opportunity to hear from one of the administration’s top officials on trade.

Mr. Kaplan first spoke about the efforts the Department of Commerce has taken since his confirmation in March of this year. He highlighted his domestic and international travel to meet with stakeholders and citizens to listen to their challenges and goals for trade and business. Mr. Kaplan remarked that he was pleased to see the American spirit for innovation and ingenuity is alive and thriving, and that many foreign countries aspire to reach the same standards of the American model for trade and business. Mr. Kaplan pointed to working closely with his counterparts in Africa, including three heads of state, to solve issues such as transparency, procurement, trade barriers, and stabilizing capital markets.

Mr. Kaplan laid out essential steps for revitalizing industry in the U.S., including reducing tax burdens on manufacturers, reducing regulation burdens, increasing foreign investment, and strengthening the U.S. workforce. He also referenced the International Trade Association’s (ITA) commitment to the administration’s trade vision, which includes a focus on fair and reciprocal agreements. The three business units of the ITA – Global Markets, Industry and Analysis, and Enforcement and Compliance – all worked together on the recently passed US Mexico Canada Agreement. Mr. Kaplan believes that these units will continue to create more reciprocal trade and address key goals of balancing.

Ambassador Stuart Holliday takes questions from luncheon attendees following Under Secretary Kaplan’s remarks.

Guests listen intently to Under Secretary Kaplan’s views on the state of international trade.

Attendees take notes during the widely-attended luncheon roundtable.

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The Need for Innovation in International Trade: A Conversation with Under Secretary for International Trade at the Department of Commerce, The Honorable Gilbert Kaplan | October 2018
Number of Attendees:	26
Impact Areas:	Business and Trade
Program Areas:	Diplomatic Engagement
Partners:	Private Sector, Public Sector