Sometimes International Trade feels like an Olympic Sport

Fresh off of the Olympics in Paris where my family and I had an unbelievable opportunity to watch athletes and spectators from all over the world compete and cheer for each other (not to mention sample the amazing French food and wine!), I could not help but wonder what the result would be if we could harness all of the positive energy that emanated during that short two-week window and extend it to help effect change on a global scale. But where to begin….

First, we need a team. Gabby Thomas with her breakneck speed and finishing power would clearly run point in advocating our trade agenda with Leon Marchand and Katie Ledecky masterfully swimming their way through trade’s rocky shoals. Simone Biles and Rebeca Andrade would engage world leaders and trade ministers as they turned the complicated gymnastics surrounding trade laws and regulations into dazzling displays of artistry. Mallory Swanson and Tiffany Rodman would use their fancy footwork and stamina to reach our trade facilitation goal (like that double use of the word goal?). 😊The list of candidates is endless as each and every participant at the Olympic Scale, even those who strived and worked exhaustively for years but fell a bit short, would be worthy of consideration.

The team that we have assembled to support the work of the NAFTZ is no less adept. Whether represented by those of us on the Executive Committee, those on the broader Board of Directors, the newly established Working Groups or the Association’s internal team, we have worked hard over this past year to overcome the hurdles in our way and cross the finish line at the head of the pack.

Second, we need the events. As with the Olympics, the last year has seen us take on a range of expanded activities. While we were not required to breakdance, we held numerous meetings on the hill (both in person and virtually), met with agency officials and relayed with fellow trade associations to expand our peloton. The race we are running is more a marathon than a 100-meter dash so the work of the Association continues. Regardless, we are closer to realizing our goals than has ever been the case before.

Finally, there are the medals. Depending on how you count, the U.S. either “won” the medal race or – based on gold medals alone – came in a tie with China. My family was fortunate enough to first-hand see the U.S. win a number of gold, silver and bronze medals although even those who did not medal did us proud. In that same vein, so too are medals appropriate for the NAFTZ. For the Association, however, the only medals are gold in nature as, while work remains (see the marathon comment above), this past year has been one of unprecedented growth, visibility and advocacy.

As my tenure as Chair of the Association comes to an end and I pass the torch to my successor, I am incredibly proud of all that we have accomplished this past year and the road that we have paved for the year ahead. Thank you for your confidence, support and encouragement during my run.