Eight associations for business, manufacturing, aerospace and technology have formed a coalition to push for a modern U.S. export control system that would be more efficient, predictable and transparent.
The Coalition for Security and Competitiveness is comprised of members from the Aerospace Industries Association, Association for Manufacturing Technology, Coalition for Employment through Exports, Electronic Industries Alliance, Information Technology Industry Council, National Association of Manufacturers, National Foreign Trade Council and U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
“We strongly believe that export control modernization is needed and that the opportunity is now,” the members wrote in a letter to President Bush.
The letter continued, “It is essential that our system of controlling U.S. technology exports is modernized in a way that enhances our ability to counter rapidly and decisively evolving threats and to maintain our global technological leadership and industrial competitiveness.”
The current system that regulates exports from defense and those that serve both civil and military purposes is controlled by the U.S. Departments of State and Commerce, respectively, but also involves other federal agencies. The system sometimes results in backlogs and some cases take months to process.
The Coalition wants a new system that can:
-Accurately identify and safeguard sensitive and militarily critical technologies
-Enhance U.S. technological leadership and global industrial competitiveness through more responsive and efficient regulatory management
-Facilitate defense trade and technological exchange with allies and trusted partners
-Support a strong U.S. technology industrial base and highly skilled workforce
-Promote greater multilateral cooperation with friends and allies on export controls
To achieve its goals for the new system, the Coalition recommended the hiring of additional licensing and agreement officers to help cut down processing delays.
“Security and competitiveness go hand in hand,” said NAM President and CEO John Engler. “A strong, innovative industrial base not only helps us maintain the best military in the world but also keeps our economy growing and supports U.S. global leadership. The international marketplace is changing rapidly with new competitors emerging in both developed and transitioning economies. We need a modern export control system that recognizes this new environment and enables U.S. companies to compete and continue their technological leadership.”
For more information on the Coalition, click here.