Business, Anti-Poverty and Faith-Based Groups Unite in Support of Open Markets

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - March 20, 2009) - Faced with rising signs of the damage the global economic crisis is causing in poorer nations, the United States Council for International Business (USCIB), which represents America's top global companies, and other business groups joined with the anti-poverty and faith-based communities in appealing for U.S. leadership to maintain open markets and keep millions in the developing world from falling back into poverty.

In a joint letter to President Obama and the House and Senate leadership (http://www.uscib.org/docs/2009_03_20_doha_development_letter.pdf), the groups wrote: "The economic welfare of Americans is inextricably linked with the well-being of men, women, and children across the globe. It is essential, therefore, that the United States reject those policies that will worsen the impact of the current economic crisis on global economic growth and development, particularly with respect to poor nations, and work instead alongside the people of these nations to further their own sustainable development. By doing so, we ultimately secure our own economic future."

The letter cited worrisome evidence of the damage the crisis is having on developing countries, with recent reports from the IMF, World Bank and World Trade Organization all pointing to the urgency of the situation. The groups urged the Obama administration and Congress to reaffirm at April's G20 Summit in London the earlier commitment by G20 nations to reject destructive protectionism. They also called upon the United States to strive for a successful conclusion of the WTO's Doha Round that opens major markets for both developed and developing countries, review and reform U.S. trade-preference programs to give special attention to uniquely vulnerable countries, and reinforce the commitment to increase development assistance.

Groups joining USCIB in signing the appeal included the National Foreign Trade Council, Business Roundtable, Center for Global Development, Emergency Committee for American Trade, the Episcopal Church, ONE, Oxfam America, Progressive Policy Institute, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and World Vision.

USCIB promotes open markets, competitiveness and innovation, sustainable development and corporate responsibility, supported by international engagement and prudent regulation. With a unique global network encompassing leading international business organizations, USCIB provides business views to policy makers and regulatory authorities worldwide, and works to facilitate international trade and investment. More information is available at www.uscib.org.

Contact Information: Contact: Jonathan Huneke USCIB 212.703.5043 (office)