ITA and NCAIED Collaborate to Promote Trade Across Indian Country

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 3, 2023
Office of Public Affairs
publicaffairs@trade.gov

WASHINGTON – Today, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Marisa Lago and Chris James, President and CEO of the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED), signed a new Strategic Partnership memorandum of agreement between the International Trade Administration (ITA) and NCAIED that will facilitate the growth of exports and foreign direct investment (FDI) across the whole of Indian Country.

“ITA is committed to ensuring that the benefits of exporting are distributed equitably with businesses across the country, and most especially within historically underrepresented communities,” said Under Secretary Maria Lago. “This agreement between ITA and NCAEID is designed to assist Tribal Nations and Native businesses grow by exporting to international markets, encouraging FDI into Indian Country, and ensuring intellectual property protection for Native artists and businesses who sell their products all over the world.”

“The international market is increasingly important for Indian Country,” said Chris James, president and CEO of the National Center for American Indian Enterprise. “The partnership with ITA will help facilitate new and bigger opportunities for exports from and foreign direct investment in tribal communities. We thank Under Secretary Lago and the International Trade Administration for their commitment to equitable trade and investment – especially in Indian Country.”

About the International Trade Administration
The International Trade Administration (ITA) at the U.S. Department of Commerce is the premier resource for American companies competing in the global marketplace. ITA has more than 2,200 employees assisting U.S. exporters in more than 100 U.S. locations and 80 markets worldwide. For more information on ITA, visit www.trade.gov.

About the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development
The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. With over 50 years of assisting American Indian Tribes and tribal people with business and economic development– we have evolved into the largest national Indian specific business organization in the nation.