Support the Nation's Economic Infrastructure Carrying out the Clinton Administration's National Export Strategy, Commerce has expanded exports while upgrading, coordinating, and streamlining export promotion and export finance programs. The Department is also reducing obsolete export controls and implementing market-opening initiatives. Commerce is enforcing laws against unfair trade practices and has implemented international trade agreements, thus creating a more level playing field for American firms. Technology as a key element in the Nation's economic infrastructure is supported through several programs. Communities recovering from natural disasters, sudden shifts in Federal policy, and other economic distress need help restoring their economies.
Commerce helps communities overcome economic distress and move forward on their own.
Minority entrepreneurs receive similar services from the Department. To improve telecommunications services, Commerce is encouraging competition among telecommunications companies. Also, Commerce provides the technological infrastructure of measurements, standards, and test methods. Commerce plays a central role in protecting intellectual property rights, keeping the spirit of American innovation and entrepreneurship alive, and protecting our free market society. America relies on census and economic information that the Department of Commerce provides.