Global Externs' Blog

If you have ever desired to receive any type of plastic surgery for a fraction of the costs, Phuket is the place to go. Located in Thailand, Phuket has become the world leader in the field of plastic surgery. The cost of a breast augmentation in the United States is roughly $6,000. While the same surgery in Phuket including a round trip plane ticket and hotel accommodation comes to approximately $3,000. With half of the financial expenses depleted plus the extra bonus of a vacation to the world renowned Phuket, many people are diving head first into the world of Medical Tourism to obtain expensive healthcare procedures.

The Medical Tourism sector has skyrocketed since the last decade. Due to increasing healthcare costs, patients are looking to other countries to receive healthcare at lower costs.  Patients are intrigued and pleased with the idea of receiving a cosmetic dental procedure while spending their recovery time on the beaches of Antigua. Many countries have developed strong reputations for medical procedures such as cosmetic surgeries, cardiac surgery, in-vitro fertilization and gender reassignment procedures. When patients are not able to afford these procedures in their home countries, low-cost medical tourism destinations provide the opportunity to obtain the procedures for a fraction of the costs.  Medical tourism destinations also provide patients with the opportunity to immediately receive procedures that may have long waiting lists in their home country. Because the medical tourism sector is a steadily growing market, many healthcare professionals, facilities, and insurance providers are starting to provide services to accommodate the medical tourism patients.  In the United States, Blue Cross Blue Shield now provides insurance policies that enable patients to have expensive procedures at a low cost medical tourism facility.

Unfortunately with any medical procedure there is always the risk of medical malpractice involved. When complications occur from a medical procedure performed in a destination facility, legal recourse in the international arena is nearly impossible. Courts in the United States are less likely to “long arm” any physician or facility and require them to appear in a U.S. court without the establishment of sufficient minimum contacts. This only leaves the patient with the option to file their medical malpractice lawsuit in the country where they traveled to receive treatment. For the medical tourism patient the cost of suing in another country may create a serious financial burden and depending on the laws of the country, the patient may not recover even a third of the incurred costs. The legal issues surrounding the medical tourism sector are profound. It is imperative that the healthcare professionals, medical tourism patients, and insurance companies are aware of the possible liabilities and difficulties that may emerge in case things go wrong.

An answer to resolve legal issues that surround the medical tourism sector is to use and apply contract law. Applying contract law, the parties may enter into an agreement that provides the choice of venue, jurisdiction, and which countries’ law will apply in case of a dispute. The parties may also opt to include an Alternative Dispute Resolution clause that will provide them with a legal course of action in case of dispute. Because many things can go wrong in the healthcare setting, a contract may help limit liabilities and provide answers before the travel and procedure even begins.

Medical Tourism Training, LLC is a company located in Boston, Massachusetts that prides itself on providing the best online and on site training programs for the Medical Tourism rookie. The programs are based on international standards and use the best business practices. They provide credible information for anyone looking to break into the medical tourism sector. The company designs its courses to build the awareness of the importance of medical tourists. Providing courses on the legal issues of medical tourism, Medical Tourism Training, LLC is the ideal resource for medical tourism information.

Saving the World from New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. – Kevin Krauss – Intro Blog Post

Saving the World from New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

The Introduction to my joint Global Law Externship with the Global Security Institute and the Lawyers Committee on Nuclear Policy

Kevin Krauss

The Beginnings

Even though my externship is not exactly focused on Global Health Law, the prospect of a nuclear attack or accident, with modern nuclear weapons, would have more of an effect on global health than anything our world community has ever seen.  My externship in this highly important field had its beginnings well before this summer ever started.  In the past few semesters, my interest has been increasingly focused upon the field of international disarmament and arms control law.  I have always wanted to make some sort of positive change in the world and when I began law school, I wasn’t exactly sure how to accomplish this lofty goal.  However, starting with Widener’s abroad program to Kenya, I began to realize how – I would help to change the world through rule-of-law initiatives from within the world’s diplomatic legal system, itself.  This past year, while competing in and managing the Widener Jessup International Law Moot Court Team, and serving as the International Law Society President, I met an extraordinary person.  Jonathan Granoff is the President of the Global Security Institute and he is also one of the Professors for Widener’s International Law Class.

Last fall, in October, Professor Granoff invited me to attend a high-level meeting on the future of nuclear weapons policy at the United Nations in New York on UN Day.  It was at this event that my focus became clear.  I had attended General Assembly meetings in the past, consisting of hundreds of people reading prepared statements over 8 hours; but this, however, was a small 40-person meeting where I was able to sit at “the big table” and hear high-level diplomats and ambassadors speak candidly about nuclear weapons policy.  When the group broke out into smaller working groups, I attended an even smaller meeting at the Swiss Mission (yes, they served chocolate!), and after collecting my then developing thoughts on the topic, I stood up and made a statement contributing to conversation.  After seeing Professor Granoff’s approving “that’s-my-boy” type of glance, I was approached by Dr. John Burroughs, the Executive Director of the Lawyers Committee on Nuclear Policy, an International Law professor at Rutgers and incredibly intelligent legal mind.  Taking this road less traveled has certainly made all the difference.

Shortly after the UN Day meeting, through Professor Granoff’s contacts, I organized a team of students to bring the “Discussion on Nuclear Nonproliferation with a Great American Ambassador, featuring Thomas Graham, Jr.” to Widener’s campus.  From working with Jonathan in his International Law class, the event with the Ambassador, the UN Day and other varying tasks, it seemed like a logical next step to continue working with him.  So, approaching Professors Granoff and Burroughs, we began to outline my involvement for the summer, with Professor Forzley of Widener Law supervising my involvement.

The Locations

Global Security Institute and Lawyers Committee on Nuclear Policy

The Global Security Institute is a non-governmental civil society organization that “is dedicated to strengthening international cooperation and security based on the rule of law, with a particular focus on nuclear arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament.”  Much of their work is as an advocacy group, but with a legal approach.  The headquarters for GSI is in Philadelphia, but they have affiliates in NYC, Washington, DC and many other countries.

Similarly, the Lawyers Committee on Nuclear Policy is “a non-profit educational association of lawyers and legal scholars that engages in research and advocacy in support of the global elimination of nuclear weapons and a more just and peaceful world through respect for domestic and international law. LCNP serves as the UN office of the International Association of Lawyers Against Nuclear Arms.”  The office of the LCNP is located in NYC right next to the UN building.

Initially, I was to spend the summer working on Capitol Hill, in Washington, however, due to some unforeseen circumstances, the DC office had to postpone for the time being.  In the meantime, I have been doing most of my work varying from a remote setting, to NYC and the Philadelphia office.  The Philadelphia office is a small suite in Bala Cynwood and staffed with a few dedicated and extremely nice people who have been extremely accommodating.

Jobs, Duties and Experiences

Nuclear Weapons Discussions at the ABAIL Conference

On April 20^th, I helped Professors Granoff and Burroughs put on an even at the American Bar Association International Law (ABAIL) section’s annual meeting.  The first day, Professor Granoff had a lively discussion with Michael Douglas, reflecting on his long-time commitment as a United Nations Messenger of Peace to ridding the world of nuclear weapons.  This was a very interesting event and I, personally, never knew that Michael Douglas was so involved in the effort, but he told his story, of course, in a very entertaining fashion.  The conversation meandered to the different areas of Michael Douglas’ life and of the few anecdotal remarks, I especially enjoyed one where a young man approached him in New York City and told him that his role in Wall Street inspired the young man to be a stock broker, to which Michael responded, “you do know that I played a really bad man, right?”

The next day, GSI and LCNP put on a panel discussion on Nuclear Weapons and their Role within International Humanitarian Law.  Simply being present to hear the well-learned speakers would have been enough for me.  The speakers were Professors Granoff and Burroughs; Ambassador Libran Cabactulan of the Philippines; Professor Charles J. Moxley, Jr. of Fordham Law; and Gary Solis, who formerly was the head of the Law of War department for West Point Academy and is a Professor at both Georgetown and George Washington University Law Schools.  Some pretty big heavyweights!  However, with helping to set up and organize the program, I had a chance to converse with the speakers beforehand in the ‘green room’, take notes that were later edited to be published on the internet and meet several audience members.  On top of all that, I was invited to lunch with the speakers and the Section Chair of the ABAIL, John Harrington.  Both Professor Solis and myself had to, unfortunately, leave the lunch early to catch a train, but sharing a cab ride and waiting in Penn Station with “Gary” gave me an extraordinary opportunity to speak in depth with the professor.  I have found it very interesting that many of the former ‘military men’ that have become involved with the disarmament effort have irrevocably stated their support for ridding the world of nuclear weapons.

Research Paper

Since that event and before, I have been working with Professor Burroughs in drafting my research paper, which performs an analysis of the different methods that President Obama could take in leading the effort for disarmament and reducing the nuclear stockpile with or without congressional support, particularly apposite in these times of such congressional volatility.  The research and paper has been coming along nicely and has been very enlightening.  This type of research is quite timely since world leaders and newscasters have been pushing for a further effort in the matter.  Since my research paper is being written for LCNP and GSI, there is actually a chance that President Obama may even read a report based off of it (even if this is a bit far-fetched)!  I may have a real opportunity to affect some sort of positive change, which of course, is my ultimate end goal.

Current Projects and Assignments

I have been working on two tasks for Professor Granoff in the past few weeks.  The first of which is to research material that will be included in an op-ed style introduction to a collection of writings on Ronald Reagan’s obsession with the Strategic Defense Initiative (aka, Star Wars), and how that obsession prevented the two super powers (US and USSR) from coming to an agreement on complete disarmament during the 1986 Reykjavik Summit.  The second is to research some very detailed information and sources to be used for a podcast that Professor Granoff will be recording with the ABA on Terrorism.

Future Projects and Assignments

Coming up in the future part of the summer, I will be traveling periodically to NYC to help Professor Burroughs run the LCNP Executive Board meeting and to assist him in a number of ventures.   I also recently learned of the opportunity to possibly attend a program in San Diego through an associate of Professor Burroughs at the University of San Diego, earning a Certificate in Nuclear Nonproliferation Policy at their Institute for Global.  Not a bad way to possibly end an incredible summer!

Overall, my experience at the International Trade Administration was very enlightening.  It allowed me to explore the interworking of the federal government while challenging me on a hot issue, that is, rare earth elements.  My most enjoyable aspect of the experience was running around Washington, meeting with various heads of industry, government officials, and trade representatives.  Each person had their own perspective on D.C. and it was interesting to see that the perspectives varied so greatly.  Many were proud to know that the system worked efficiently and that they were part of it.  Others took a more cynical view, often starting that it took too much time for anything concrete to make its way through the “bureaucratic nightmare.”

In my opinion, D.C. works the same way any democratic system works.  Each step in the process is a check and balance to ensure that no agency or organization has too much influence in policy making.  Sure, China is able to pass bills through congress overnight, but they don’t have a Bill of Rights, do they?  Every system has to give up something to gain another.

Overall, D.C. is a great place full of energy.  I’m often annoyed when people describe great cities such as New York and D.C. being full of “energy”, but there is not really a better word for it.  The streets are full of pro-active people in search to be part of the next hot button issue.  Back home, many of my close friends would have no idea about issues I explored during my employment at the Dept. of Commerce.  In D.C., it seems like everyone has read the latest issue of the Economist or New York Times, and is ready to go with whatever opinion they may have on the subject.   To me, that is excitement.  Being part of system.  And I would not give up this summer’s experience for any other one.

I would like to thank Jane Early, my director and supervisor at the Office of Health and Consumer Goods at the ITA for giving me great insight and direction throughout the summer.  I would also like to thank Professor Michelle Forzley for giving me this opportunity.

     As my internship comes to a close, I am able to look back on my time at the ITA, the people that I have met, and all that I have learned.  There is a real sense of duty and honor when one works for the government and I have found this especially true here at the ITA.  The directive given to this office by President Obama puts those at the ITA on the front lines of our battle to better this nation.  The ITA analyst, sitting in their office behind me, may be directly responsible for putting Americans back to work and laying the next brick in the rebuilding and fortification of our economy.

     This internship has impacted me in many ways.  The most poignant being the real world applications.  Law school has taught me many skills necessary to succeed but law school teaches them in the vacuum of theory and hypotheticals.  I have now seen the fruits of my labor in action as I have been able to use some of those skills in the world of the real.

     One example of this is my research into the U.S. and the EU’s more than decade long struggle before the WTO.  In 1998, the EU banned the addition of growth hormones (used as growth promoters) to livestock feed.  The U.S. saw this ban as an illegal restraint on trade and brought the issue before the Dispute Settlement Board of the WTO.  The U.S. was victorious and the WTO recommended that the EU either remedy the ban or provide proper scientific data proving that the ban is necessary in the EU.  The EU took certain steps to satisfy the WTO but ultimately did not.  The EU’s ban on the use of veterinary drugs as growth promoters remains today showing that international disputes can only accomplish so much.  International law is based on the premise of compromise and the willingness of nations to keep promises.  This certainly creates an imperfect system, but alternatives may prove to be scarier.  National sovereignty demands autonomy and the very structure of our national and global systems would likely crumble under their own weight if that is lost.

For the past several weeks I have been attending various events and meetings around Washington.  In late June I attended a lecture at The Brookings Institute with special guest speaker Dr. Hu Angang.  The lecture was entitled “China in 2020: A New Type of Superpower,” and discussed China’s rapid economic growth, the potential of China becoming the next world superpower, and implications for the rest of the world.  The Brookings Institute is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC, and has remained an influential voice in policy making since 1927.

Adam and I also attended the 2011 BIO International Convention held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on M  Street.  The BIO International Convention is the largest global event for the biotechnology industry.  It attracts the biggest names in biotech, offers key networking opportunities, and provides insights on the major trends affecting the industry.  It was a very great experience, as I had never attended such a large, international convention before.  Also, very informative.

Other than those two large-scale events, my time has remained allocated between the office and meetings with government and industry folk throughout Washington.  One large piece of news regarding  my work on Rare Earth Elements came out from the USTR on July 5th.  The U.S. was successful in a case against China in the World Trade Organization entitled China – Raw Materials Exports.  The WTO Panel report of the case has been very helpful in my understanding of WTO law regarding the GATT, China’s Accession Protocol, and rules regarding the imposition of export restraints.

As the turn of 21^st Century, member states of the United Nations made a political commitment to eradicate poverty by promising to attain the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015.  The proposal I am preparing assesses citizen monitoring of the MDGs and the implications it has on the Campaign to End Poverty 2015.

Amartya Sen, an Indian Economist, studied the underlying mechanisms for poverty and found that no major famine has occurred in a democracy allowing free expression.[1] One of the main initiatives that the UNMC office currently advocates for is citizen monitoring of the MDGs.  Citizen monitoring is a process of the MDGs that allows citizens to hold governments to account for the delivery of basic services and the delivery of more and better aid.

The citizen monitoring model works by four key actors: citizens, technology providers, government agencies, and media and advocacy groups.  First, ordinary citizens (supported by civil society organizations) directly provide real time feedback about basic services like education, health, water and sanitation, and food security.  Second, the feedback is channeled through a technological platform (mobile phones/computers) which is supported by technology providers.  Third, the feedback is reported to the responsible government agencies and officials to effectuate changes in regulations.  Fourth, media and advocacy groups disseminate any negative factual finding of government action if needed.

As I am learning more about the Citizen Monitoring initiative I realize that it is a different way of empowering and engaging citizens.  This bottom-up approach focuses specifically on empowering citizens to exercise their right of speech and expression by demanding for services (ie. absent teachers, medicines, doctors, etc).  In addition, this model develops a stronger relationship between citizens and those who hold power in government to make decisions.  It empowers the poorest individuals to act for themselves and their community and turn information into positive change.  Currently, the program is being piloted in India, Philippines and countries in Africa during the year of 2011.  I am hoping the results in these countries are optimal so that the UNMC office will be able to expand to other underdeveloped countries in the future.

The work I am doing at the UNMC office is incredibly rewarding because I am able to utilize the skills I have acquired in law school in a way that is not legally related. I embrace the challenges presented because the caliber of work at the United Nations forces me to work to my potential.  Law school has taught me to remain relentless, but working at the United Nations has taught me the meaning of pursuing social justice to ensure positive change in the world.

Au Revoir,

Halak Mehta

“Give me a firm place to stand and I will move the Earth.” – Archimedes

Although my project does not have me analyze a current legal issue, there are many legal issues that are centered around the topic of veterinary drugs. The most pressing issues deal with the harmonization of global regulations. If the global regulatory structure was similar to the systems of the 50 states or the member countries of the EU, trade across borders would be considerably easier. Much of the dispute lies in the area of health regulations. Nations with different approaches to keeping their citizens healthy can cause conflicts when one nation is trying to trade with the other. Some nations adopt the precautionary method and some tend to tackle issues as they arise. The EU tends to form its regulations around the precautionary principle of “that is potentially dangerous so we will ban it.” The U.S. tends to be more reactionary in the sense that it will ban products that have evidence of clear and present dangers. An example of this is with the EU’s ban on hormone treated beef. The long term affects of human consumption of hormone treated beef is still not fully understood and as a precautionary step, the EU has outlawed it. The U.S. relies on the absence of scientific data showing a clear problem with hormone treated beef and thus is not banned in the states. Resolving these regulatory issues will certainly facilitate an increase in trade between the U.S. and other nations. This is easier said than done.
As for my experiences, working in D.C. is truly like working in the center of the universe. Having access to the multitude of resources in this city makes me wonder how anyone can get anything done elsewhere. Just last week, James and I had the privilege of attending the 2011 BIO conference, an international conference for the furtherance of biotechnology and related industries. It was spectacular to see representatives from nations throughout the world and from many different sectors of the industry come together in one place for one purpose. I doubt I will have such an opportunity to witness something like that again, although I truly hope I will. D.C. is an awe inspiring place that anyone would be lucky to call home.

The structure of the United Nations (U.N.) is one that is unique in comparison to any other government entity.  This international organization was established on October 24, 1945 by 51 countries.  Currently, the U.N. has 192 member states that all abide under the U.N. Charter, an international treaty that establishes international relations dealing with international law, human rights, economic rights, and social progression.  The U.N. is distinct from other organizations because it acts a medium between various nations to effectuate positive change and implement policies that benefit the citizens within and outside the nation.

The U.N. has four main purposes: “to maintain international peace and security; to develop friendly relations among nations; and to be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.”  The aftermath of World War II, created a strong sense of urgency to maintain global peace and order.  President Roosevelt developed the term for the “United Nations” as means for a safe haven between nations and to promote globalization in a positive manner.  The U.N. is currently comprised of 192 member states that all agreed to abide by the U.N. Charter; an international treaty that establishes basic principles of international relations. The U.N. is not a world government and it does not make laws. The essential purpose of the U.N. is to provide the means to create international relations and policies in order to solve international conflicts within a member state and between nations.

The U.N. is made up of 6 main organs: the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, the International Court of Justice, and the Secretariat. Each organ contains many sub-agencies, consisting of various departments and offices. The General Assembly is the primary policy-making and decision-making organ that mandates most of the work of the U.N. The General Assembly works to effectuate systematic change by addressing complex political views and acts as a mechanism for the social systems of all nations to work cohesively.

The United Nations Millennium Development Campaign (UNMC) office is within the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The UNDP is one of the many departments that report to the General Assembly. The UNDP is the U.N.’s global development network, committed to addressing problems and continues to foster positive change in global and national development. The UNDP’s main foci points are: democratic governance; poverty reduction; crisis prevention and recovery; environment and energy; and HIV/AIDS. The organization is located in 166 countries and overseas the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).  The role of the UNDP includes: supporting advocacy for the MDGs, researching and sharing strategies to meet the MDGs, monitoring the progress of MDGs in countries and preparing reports, and operational assistance to governments to further assist them to tailor MDGs specific to the country’s challenges.[1]

One of the primary roles of the UNDP is to support MDG based national development strategies and to help countries improve their capacity to achieving the MDGs.  The three developments executed by the UNDP are: MDG- based diagnostics and investment planning; broadening policy options and choices; and strengthening the national capacity to ensure effective service delivery.  With these three pillars, the UNDP services provide financial and technical assistance over the long-term process to achieving the MDGs by 2015.  In addition, with UNDP has provided significant guidance to developing a framework which accelerates growth for human development.

Different from other U.N. offices, Millennium Development Campaign (UNMC) office works with both citizens and nongovernment organizations (NGOs) in achieving the MDGs.  In comparison, other U.N. agencies work with national governments and legislators.  The approach that the UNMC has with nations is very effective because it channels two important functions: enforceability and accountability.  By a top-down approach, the UNMC works with international NGOs to help implement and enforce policies targeting the MDGs.  On a bottom-up approach, the UNMC encourages and inspires citizens to hold their governments accountable and demand solutions to achieving the MDGs.

The work the UNMC office has done to eradicate persisting poverty is incredibly powerful. The energy and passion of the people within the office is remarkable in this journey to achieving the MDGs by 2015. It’s a humbling realization that the work the UNMC office has been doing for years is making tremendous progress as we advance together in this global society.

Tags: Halak Mehta, Halle Mehta, United Nations Global Externship, Widener Law

As most government agencies go, there is a distinct and sometimes complicated organizational system to navigate through when discussing where in the organization one works. The “parent company” of my current job in D.C. is the U.S. Department of Commerce currently headed by the out-going Gary Locke. Secretary Locke has recently been appointed the next U.S. ambassador of China. The International Trade Administration (ITA) is one of six divisions and is headed by the Under Secretary for International Trade, Francisco Sanchez. Under Secretary Sanchez oversees four units, themselves headed by Assistant Secretaries. Manufacturing and Services (MAS) is one of the four units and is headed by Assistant Secretary Nicole Lamb-Hale.
MAS is further broken up into fourteen offices, the Office of Health and Consumer Goods (OHCG) being the office in which I work. The OHCG is headed by Jeffrey Gren and is broken up into two Teams, the Health Team and the Consumer Goods Team. To round it all out, I am under the direct employ of Jane Earley, the Health Team leader. So bring it full circle, I work in the DOC/ITA/MAS/OHCG/Health team! Certainly complicated and it has many levels of bureaucracy but there seems to be a method to the madness.
“The OHGC Health Team is dedicated to enhancing the global competitiveness of the U.S. health industry, expanding market access, and increasing exports.” http://www.ita.doc.gov/td/health/. The OHCG accomplishes this goal by participating in trade negotiations, evaluating domestic and global economic and regulatory policies, researching industry trade, and even contributing to the continued development of U.S. Trade policy. Id.

So, the ITA/MAS/OHCG/Health team is on the front lines in the efforts to increase U.S. exports.  If this nation is to meet the goals of the NEI, it will be the office I work in, along with the others, that will be responsible.

The best way to go about explaining the mandate of the office I work for is to discuss the hierarchy of departments under which it falls.  The Department of Commerce (DOC) was founded in 1903 to facilitate economic growth within the United States.  Officially, its mission is to “promote job creation and improved living standards for all Americans by creating an infrastructure that promotes economic growth, technological competitiveness, and sustainable development.”  The DOC boasts over 40,000 employees and an annual budget of approximately $10 billion.
The International Trade Administration (ITA) is an agency within the Department of Commerce.  Established in 1980, its mission it to “strengthen the competitiveness of U.S. industry, promote trade and investment, and ensure fair trade through the rigorous enforcement of our trade laws and agreements.”  The ITA achieves this goal by providing information to U.S. businesses on foreign markets & products, ensuring that industry has access to those markets as required by global trade agreements, and safeguarding industry from unfair competition from subsidized foreign imports.

The ITA is further divided into four branches.  The unit I work for is the Manufacturing and Services Office (MAS).  MAS is dedicated to strengthening the global competiveness of U.S. industry, expanding its market access, and increasing exports.  Currently, the main priority at MAS is President Obama’s National Export Initiative (NEI).  The NEI is a long-term, sustainable economic growth plan for the United States.  President Obama has a goal of doubling exports over the next five years, an increase that will hopefully support two million American jobs. 

Under MAS, I work for the Office of Health and Consumer Goods (OHCG).  The OHCG Health Team focuses mainly on medical devices and pharmaceuticals. 

The team, made up of about 10 international trade specialists, addresses challenges U.S. manufacturers face domestically and internationally by:
-Researching industry trade issues and publishing analyses
-Contributing to the development of U.S. trade policy
-Participating in trade negotiations
-Organizing trade capacity building programs
-Evaluating the impact of domestic and international economic and regulatory policies on U.S. manufacturers and service industries
-Working with other U.S. agencies in developing a public policy environment that advances U.S. competitiveness at home and abroad, and
-Participating in several initiatives, including the National Export Initiative