GAO report suggests better managed trade programs can aid small businesses

The Government Accountability Office recently released a report that indicated improvements in federal government management, collaboration and promotion of trade programs will ultimately lead to more small business exports.

The report offers evidence that bolsters the case for bills introduced in May by House Small Business Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-Mo.) and Rep. Steve Chabot (R-Ohio.).

The Export Coordination Act would require enhanced Congressional oversight and coordination of the federal export promotion agencies, and was merged with Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Rep. Eliot Engel’s (D-N.Y.) Export Promotion Reform Act. The State Trade Coordination Act, sponsored by Chabot, would ensure that all trade agencies work in concert to assist local exporters. Both pieces of legislation were passed by the Foreign Affairs Committee by unanimous voice vote on July 24.

“This GAO report is further verification that federal trade agencies need better collaboration between our export programs so that small businesses can pursue new markets internationally,” Graves said. “Many of the federal assistance trade programs overlap and offer duplicative services, including mirroring the same efforts as many individual state trade offices. Currently, there are over 20 federal agencies that provide some, or all, of the steps in the export process.”

The GAO report recommends that Congress take a stronger oversight role and promote efficient use of taxpayer dollars by ensuring that agencies aren’t duplicating actions.