Under Secretary of Commerce For International Trade Francisco SÁnchez
Embraer Dedication Ceremony
Monday, February 21, 2011
Melboune, Florida
As prepared for delivery
I am delighted to be here with all of you. I am glad to share the stage with such an illustrious group. Senator Nelson, Gov. Scott, ladies and gentlemen:
Today’s ceremony here at Embraer embodies what I believe in about the future. Around us is the physical manifestation of the rule that is being ordained by the growth of the global marketplace in our recent lifetimes:
- that exports create jobs;
- that the key to the future of the American economy is international trade; and
- that economic integration among the nations of the hemisphere is how all of us remain competitive in the face of rising global competition.
In many ways, the future is here – both in time and place.
The future that has arrived inaugurates a new era that requires us to understand that for the American economy to grow, exports must grow. The future has arrived here in Melbourne, too, and this plant adds another component to the Space Coast that itself has always represented the future, with its participation in humankind’s exploration of the universe.
For you and me, specifically, this is an especially important reminder of Senator Nelson’s contribution to our nation’s voyages into the stars.
For those of us who are from Florida, today represents more than the expansion of the local economy. It represents the ongoing unification of the economies of the gulf region and the rest of the Americas.
The aircraft assembled here symbolizes the growth of the hemispheric market and represents how international trade brings the economies of the hemisphere closer to each other to create a competitive economy as other nations in other parts of the world grow and expand their own manufacturing sectors.
The integration is driven by the supply chain that Embraer has built across the hemisphere. From all parts of this country and throughout the region, small and large businesses contribute to a manufacturing formula that has found its home here in Florida.
This operation that we commemorate today also symbolizes our close friendship with Brazil and its entry onto to the stage as one of the world’s leaders.
Brazil and the United States understand that hundreds of millions of new consumers are giving birth to a new global market that will demand quantity as well quality. Quantity and quality almost define Embraer itself.
Defining the future, too, are the United States and Brazil, which is why President Obama will be travelling to Brazil next month. Today’s ceremony in many ways can be looked upon as part of the President’s visit to Brazil, for it incorporates the spirit and intention of the journey.
As you know, the U.S. is interested in launching an Aviation Cooperation Program with Brazil. We see this as a way of elevating and deepening our relationships with the Brazilian government and industry.
In and of itself, this ceremony is important, but it is more important, still, when seen in the context of the next chapter in the histories of our two countries. All of us should embrace Embraer’s decision to build this assembly plant here. Embraer’s decision foreshadows the greater future that lies before us and Florida – and before the United States and Brazil as well.
That is why it was such an honor to be here today.
Thank you.
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