In her keynote address at the 2024 Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Legislative Summit, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Marisa Lago highlighted the work of The International Trade Association (ITA) in finding international partners for business owners, including those who are Hispanic-owned. Lago, representing the U.S. International Trade Administration, also discussed the ITA's efforts to liaise with foreign governments and U.S. companies operating overseas to eliminate trade barriers and advocate for transparent business practices.
Lago addressed the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on April 23, where she acknowledged her heritage and family, and how these experiences shape her work. "I’m thrilled to speak to this impressive, inspiring group of Hispanic business and community leaders from across the United States. As a proud child of a Spanish immigrant family, I know how strongly our community shares bonds across geographies and generations — whether through lengua, cultura o familia. And these unique, enduring ties bring huge economic opportunities," said Lago.
She further noted that the ITA is "comprised of over 2,300 trade and business experts who are located in over 100 US cities and towns, and in over 80 international markets." In 2023 alone, the ITA served 92,000 US businesses interested in exporting; among them were micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises which represent the majority of exporters in the US. Exporting isn't solely reserved for multinational corporations.
In her speech, Lago provided an overview of countries that ITA collaborates with such as Argentina and Uruguay, Costa Rica, Africa, and Europe. She also shed light on how ITA can assist small- and medium-sized enterprises.
"Oftentimes, a small business owner’s main barrier to exporting is not knowing where to start. That’s why ITA has Export Assistance Centers in over 100 locations across our country to serve all types of U.S. businesses, no matter their size or location — rural, small town, mid-sized city or urban metropolis. At these Export Assistance Centers, ITA’s on-site trade professionals identify potential international buyers or partners for your business," Lago stated in her keynote speech.
During the event, Lago also presented an Export Achievement Certificate to Aeronautical Systems Incorporated (ASI), a Reston, Va., based Hispanic-owned small business that specializes in manufacturing, operations services, and repairs for military platforms.