WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.—President Joe Biden's Cabinet visited the Triad on Thursday. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai participated in a debate on the Biden administration's economic policies at Forsyth Technical Community College. The discussion was moderated by Christopher Chan, CEO of the North Carolina Economic Development Partnership. Click here to get the latest news stories that interest you. The discussion began with an explanation of the main functions of the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Tai said her job is to advise and negotiate trade policies that benefit the United States. Mr. Tai is the 19th person to serve as U.S. Trade Representative. She said her role has traditionally focused on international trade policy, which remains important, but she wants to turn the focus to Americans. “Everything in our lives is affected by trade,” she said. Tai assumed the role in 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a time when supply chain disruptions were making it difficult and expensive for Americans to obtain the products and services they needed. Download the WXII app here and get the latest news and weather information. Tai said her office's previous policies have contributed to these supply chain issues, and she is working to build resiliency in the supply chain. “If we were part of the problem, we must be part of the solution,” Tai said. Tai said she believes encouraging American industry is one way the United States can secure its supply chain. She says North Carolina can play a big role in building supply chains, especially manufacturing. Watch: NOWCAST Streaming Newscast WXII 12 After the event, News interviewed Ms. Tai. She acknowledged that manufacturing in the Triad has declined over the past few decades, but said she wants to preserve and grow manufacturing in the region. “There used to be a lot more manufacturing in this area, whether it was furniture or textiles, but over time a lot of that went offshore,” she said. “Okay, that's what we want to fix.'' That's one of the reasons Tai visited her tech in Forsyth, she said. The event marked her first visit to a community college. Community colleges like Forsyth Tech, she says, provide people with the diverse skills they need to succeed in the 21st century economy. “From our perspective, it's really about connecting the dots and opening the door between our people and our jobs and opportunities,” Tai said. Tai will continue her visit to North Carolina on Friday, when she plans to tour a furniture manufacturing facility in High Point and a textile manufacturing facility in Burlington. She is spending her time in the state with one goal in mind, she says. “It's important to create jobs here in North Carolina,” Tai said.Navigate: Home | Weather | Watch Nowcast TV | Local News | National | News We Love | Trending Stories
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.—President Joe Biden's Cabinet visited the Triad on Thursday.
U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai participated in a debate on the Biden administration's economic policies at Forsyth Technical Community College.
The discussion was moderated by Christopher Chan, CEO of the North Carolina Economic Development Partnership.
To get the latest news stories that interest you, Please click here
The discussion began with an explanation of the main functions of the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Tai said his job is to advise and negotiate trade policies that benefit the United States.
Mr. Tai is the 19th person to serve as U.S. Trade Representative. He said his role so far has focused on international trade policy, which remains important, but he wants to turn the focus to Americans.
“Everything in our lives is affected by trade,” she said.
Tai assumed the role in 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a time when supply chain disruptions were making it difficult and expensive for Americans to obtain the products and services they needed.
Download and get the latest news and weather information. Click here for WXⅡ app.
Mr. Tai said his office's previous policies have contributed to these supply chain issues and that he is working to build supply chain resilience.
“If we are part of the problem, we can also be part of the solution,” Tai said.
Tai believes encouraging U.S. industry is one way the country can secure its supply chain. She says North Carolina can play a big role in building supply chains, especially manufacturing.
clock: NOWCAST streaming newscast
WXII 12 News interviewed Tai after the event. She acknowledged that the Triad's manufacturing industry has declined over the past few decades, but she said she wants to preserve and grow manufacturing in the region.
“This area used to have a lot more manufacturing, whether it's furniture or textiles, but a lot of that has migrated offshore over time,” she says. “Okay, that's what we want to fix.”
That's one of the reasons Tai came to Forsyth Tech. The event marked her first visit to a community college. Community colleges like Forsyth Tech, she says, provide people with the diverse skills they need to succeed in the 21st century economy.
“From our perspective, this is really connecting the dots and opening doors between employees and jobs and opportunities,” Tai said.
Mr. Tye will continue his visit to North Carolina on Friday, touring a furniture manufacturing facility in High Point and a textile manufacturing facility in Burlington. She says she is spending her time in the state with one goal in mind.
“It's important to create jobs here in North Carolina,” Tai said.
Navigate: Home | Weather | Watch Nowcast TV | Local news | Nationwide | News we love |
trending stories
