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Taft Applauds State Exporters for 4.9% Increase
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Gov. Bob Taft last night applauded the state's exporters for generating $31.2 billion in revenues from exports of goods in 2004, an increase of almost 4.9% percent over 2003. "Exporting is a critical component to Ohio's economy, and I commend companies throughout Ohio for their contribution to the state's long-term prosperity," Taft said at a reception for exporters, staff from Ohio's 10 international trade offices and economic development officials.Ohio is the sixth largest exporting state and is the only state whose exports have increased every year since 1998, Taft noted.According to this year's statistics, developed from U.S. government data and prepared by Global Trade Information Services Inc., Ohio is the second largest automotive exporter in the U.S. and ranks fourth in the export of machinery, plastics, and iron and steel products. Ohio exports grew significantly in 2004, with double- and triple-digit percentage increases in the many countries, the governor said. On March 22 and 23, Taft and representatives of the Ohio Department of Development will be in Toronto meeting with businesses and the American Chamber of Commerce in Canada. The governor will also be promoting tourism in Ohio at a reception for the Canadian travel industry. The trade mission to Japan and Taiwan last fall was Ohio's largest ever, and combined with previous missions to Mexico, Europe, South America and Japan, resulted in more than $627 million in projected new business and investment and 1,530 new jobs since 2000, according to the governor's press office.At last night's reception, Taft also promoted his tax reform plan as beneficial to exporting and foreign investment in Ohio. "Our plan eliminates burdensome taxes on machinery and equipment and inventory, thereby encouraging investment in Ohio facilities," he said.Taft added that the proposed commercial activities tax further benefits exporters because it does not apply to sales made outside the state of Ohio.Lt. Governor Bruce Johnson joined Taft at the reception and reminded business leaders of programs the Ohio Department of Development oversees to support Ohio exporters and encourage foreign investment."The Ohio Department of Development is ready to work directly with Ohio's exporters to help them find sales channels overseas," said Johnson, who also serves as state development director. "With the unparalleled productivity of Ohio's companies and the low value of the dollar, Ohio companies can profit by producing here and selling around the world."Visit the Ohio Department of Development at www.odod.state.oh.us "