Posted on October 9, 2023
Port of Seattle Commission President Sam Cho has been appointed by Ambassador Katherine Tai to the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee on Trade, which offers local and state government input to USTR on issues and priorities involving global trade and development.
“I am honored and excited to offer my insights from the Port of Seattle and Northwest Seaport Alliance – as well as draw on my past experience as an international exporter – to help shape U.S. trade policies and priorities, creating a stronger national economy and greater opportunities for international commerce,” said Commissioner Sam Cho. “As a resident of the most trade-supported state economy in the country, this elevates our region’s voice and advocacy on trade policy and I look forward to bringing Washington state and local government perspectives to the Biden Administration’s work to shape and grow global trade.”
“Commissioner Cho’s extensive background in small business, international trade, and public service are the necessary skills and expertise that will allow him to be a productive member of the USTR IGPAC. His appointment reaffirms our commitment to Washington State’s leadership in shaping trade policies and driving economic growth,” said Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01). “I’m pleased to have supported his nomination for this role and I am confident in his ability to contribute to our nation’s trade landscape.”
“Since joining the Port Commission in 2019, Cho has not only helped lead the Port, but also brought his expertise in public policy to a number of regional trade policy and trade-oriented economic development boards including the Washington State China Relations Executive Board, Washington Council on International Trade, and Greater Seattle Partners Global Council,” said Bruce Harrell, Mayor of Seattle. “I believe strongly that Commissioner Cho’s blend of entrepreneurship and public policy leadership will provide significant value to the IGPAC and to USTR’s review of U.S. trade policy impacts to our communities and businesses.”
Commissioner Cho recently led the effort to create an export accelerator program in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Greater Seattle Partners, Washington State Department of Commerce, and the City of Seattle. The Greater Seattle Export Accelerator program will provide export training, export advising services, and access to international trade opportunities for small businesses. The first cohort of small businesses in the accelerator was announced on September 20, 2023.
This is the third federal committee that Port of Seattle Commissioners are currently serving on. Commissioner Cho also serves on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking, and Commissioner Fred Felleman serves on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Travel and Tourism Advisory Board.
