IP-15-87 (December 1987)
Author: J. William Artist

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• Colorado is now poised to enter the international trade market, but seriousness is the price of admission. The international market demands that Colorado be committed for the long term.
• Colorado should establish a specific plan within the next three months. That plan needs to define where Colorado wants to go in international trade, both long and short term.
• The two present trade offices — in Taiwan and Japan — Should continue to have top priority for the time being. We must excel with these before attempting a great deal more. Each office should publish its own specific plan defining markets and actual goals.
• A database must be created immediately to determine what Colorado has to offer. From that, the state can begin defining its market niche, what countries we should be dealing with, and whether or not we establish official relationships with them.
• The plan should define goals and specify the proper mix of (a) reverse investment; (b) exports; and (c) inbound tourism to achieve those goals.
• Define the role of the government vis-a-vis business. Businessmen do deals; the government is the repository of information and a necessity for protocol, but not a competitor of local businesses.
• We must provide proper and adequate staff for the international trade office.
• The private sector should be encouraged to participate in helping shape the plans and oversee progress.
• The legislature should have the direct oversight, either through a standing committee, or a specific ad hoc committee to monitor progress and hold the executive branch accountable for governmental policies.
• It is imperative to make the office responsible directly to the governor, not some cabinet official. A capable trade office director has been hired, and needs to have room to maneuver in the market place.