Gov. Gregoire hails Congressional action that will boost exports to Russia

For Immediate Release: December 6, 2012

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate granted Russia permanent normal trade relations status by a vote of 92-4:

�Washington is a global state, where about one-third of our jobs are generated directly or indirectly from international trade. I thank our Congressional delegation and Congress for sending this measure to the President, which will dramatically reduce tariffs and other barriers to Washington exports to Russia.

�The U.S. is expected to double exports to Russia in the next five years, and Washington is well-positioned to play a leading role in that export growth. Even before today�s action, our state�s exporters nearly doubled sales to Russia last year.

�Whether it�s aircraft, apples or high-tech medical equipment, local businesses will see job growth as a result of this agreement.�