Rep. Ryu Appointed to Key Trade Policy Committee

State Rep. Cindy Ryu has won an appointment to the special joint House and Senate committee that oversees trade policy for the Washington State Legislature.

Ryu, who represents the 32nd District in the House of Representatives, is a former mayor of Shoreline and past President of the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce.

 “Rep. Ryu is opening people’s eyes to new global economic opportunities that allow even the smallest businesses to create jobs tied to international trade,” Speaker of the House Frank Chopp said after announcing the appointment. “Her leadership for small business will be a valuable addition to the trade policy committee.”

The Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Trade Policy was created in 2003 amid concern that international trade agreements could significantly impact Washington jobs and businesses—for better or worse. The bipartisan committee includes an equal number of Democrats and Republicans from the House and Senate.

“I’m happy to be given a role on the committee that oversees trade policies,” said Ryu. “Export opportunities equal job opportunities, so it is very important that we have good trade policies to help our businesses compete in national and global markets.”

Ryu sponsored the new law (House Bill 1916) that directs the state Department of Commerce to improve its services to small businesses. The law, which takes effect July 22, includes provisions that require the state to improve export assistance to businesses.

Washington is the fifth-largest exporter in the nation, according to the Department of Commerce.