U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today announced the Commerce Department will double the number of global markets serviced by its Digital Attaché program during her remarks at the Internet Association’s Second Annual Virtuous Circle Conference in Silicon Valley. Introduced as a pilot project earlier this year, the program currently covers the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Brazil, China, the European Union, India, and Japan.

“The Digital Attaché initiative is an integral piece of the Department’s comprehensive strategy to address 21st century digital trade barriers,” said Secretary Pritzker at the technology community gathering. “These Attachés serve as dedicated resources for U.S. businesses as they seek to increase exports through global E-commerce channels and navigate digital policy and regulatory issues in foreign markets.”

The program is being expanded from six to 12 markets based on the Department’s evaluation and industry enthusiasm for the initiative. The location and placement of those additional attachés will be decided with input from stakeholders.

The Digital Attachés have been in the San Francisco Bay Area for a week of training and meetings with stakeholder companies and associations, including the Internet Association, TechNet, and Engine Advocacy.