In administering the advocacy program we do not seek, nor have we ever considered, information concerning the political activities or affiliations of the American companies we support against fierce international competition. We help companies that meet our guidelines whose projects will help create or support American jobs. In fact, these guidelines under which we operate were established during the Bush Administration. Contrary to the impression created by Ms. Kaplan's piece, you don't need to be well connected or have a high-priced lobbyist to get advocacy support. Since our internet site receives over 50,000 hits a day and our toll-free trade number fields about 2,000 calls a week, access to information on the Center cannot be said to be limited.
Overseas competition is very fierce and often involves participation of foreign governments.
Advocacy plays a role mostly when there is a foreign government role and competition is not market based. In an increasingly competitive global market, advocacy is becoming all the more important. By the year 2000, China will install 100 million new telephone lines. The end of the Cold War has brought massive change to the face of international trade. The very large purchases made in the next few decades will be made by governments in developing countries.