Penny Pritzker

on international trade policy

Founder and Chairman of PSP Capital; former U.S. Secretary of Commerce Economic Diplomacy Initiative Fellow

After a period of such profound disruption over the last four years, the most significant opportunities for expanded trade and economic growth globally start with rebuilding a robust multilateral coalition and strengthening the institutions that are vital to supporting this growth such as the World Trade Organization. In doing so, we must stay focused not just on expanding trade in goods but also in fast growing services while at the same time building a stronger consensus around digital policies, data sharing and addressing the rise of techno-authoritarianism.

As an American society, we must also ensure that we do more to help our workers access the skills and support they need to adapt, adjust, and thrive given the accelerating impacts of technology, automation and globalization on their lives, livelihoods, and communities.

What advice do you have for the next generation of diplomatic/trade practitioners?

Simply put, it is our collective responsibility—and especially incumbent on professionals in the field as well as the next generation of practitioners—to ensure that we create forward looking trade and economic policies that support more inclusive economic growth for more Americans and people throughout the world.