Despite what you hear on some radio talk shows, international trade is good for North Dakota and America, the head of the North Dakota Trade Office says.
"There's an alarming antitrade sentiment" that doesn't take into account the many positives from trade, said Susan Geib, executive director of the trade office.
"America must compete, not retreat" in trade, she said.
Geib spoke Thursday in Fargo at the Regional Economic Outlook Forum sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of Fargo Moorhead.
About 400 people attended.
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North Dakota businesses increasingly benefit from exports, Geib said.
From 2001 to 2006, North Dakota increased its exports to Mexico from $38 million to $55 million and its exports to Canada from $394 million to $727 million, according to U.S. government figures.
A big reason is the weak dollar, which makes U.S. products more affordable to foreign buyers, Geib said.
Myths about foreign trade regularly pop on talk radio and elsewhere, she said.
One such myth, she said, is that globalization protects the rich and exploits the poor.
In reality, businesses across the state benefit from foreign trade, she said.
Geib was one of five speakers at Thursday's event.
The area's tourism outlook is good, despite high gas prices and several other concerns, said Cole Carley, president and chief executive officer of the Fargo-Moorhead Convention and Visitors Bureau.
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North Dakota's housing market is doing well, said Bryce Johnson, executive vice president of the Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead.
"It just isn't happening here," she said, referring to the national housing slump.
Still, there's a widespread public perception in the metro area that this is a bad time to buy a house, she said.
Local Realtors, homebuilders and lenders are forming a coalition to combat that misperception, Johnson said.
Older workers will play an increasingly important role in the region's economy, said Lyle Halvorson, communications director for AARP North Dakota.
The organization has 84,500 members; 45 percent of them are still in the work force.
Employers need to emphasize attracting and retraining older workers, he said.
Jonny Huang, founder and chief executive officer of Fargo-based The Dragon Group, which specializes in serving owners of small- and mid-sized businesses, spoke about challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs.
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He quoted advice he received years ago from a successful business owner.
"If you are standing out already, why not be outstanding?"
Readers can reach Forum reporter Jonathan Knutson at (701) 241-5530 Official: Foreign trade good for region Jon Knutson 20080118
