The Department of Commerce plans to enhance digital trade through its Digital Attache program, which will establish a network of digital attaches designed to increase and enhance digital trade abroad. The program will cover a variety of foreign markets, including ASEAN, Brazil, China, Japan, India, and the European Union.
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker announced the launch of the program on Friday as part of the Department of Commerce’s effort to address modern trade barriers and enhance digital trade.
“America’s economic growth and competitiveness depend on our capacity to embrace digitization in the economy,” said Pritzker. “The pilot program of ‘Digital Attaches’ ensures that U.S. companies can participate in the global, digital economy and reach markets worldwide.”
In 2016, digital services accounted for roughly one-sixth of all U.S. exports, making the digital marketplace a vital center for economic growth. The digital attaches will act to increase U.S. exports through global e-commerce channels, access the global online marketplace, and navigate digital policy and regulatory issues in foreign markets.
The program is led by the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA) and will provide assistance for U.S. small and medium businesses to take advantage of worldwide digital markets.
