U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today announced that the Department of Commerce Digital Attaché Program will expand to six new markets, including South Korea, Indonesia, Mexico, South Africa, Germany, and France. The now 12 digital trade officers are Commercial Officers dedicated to helping U.S. companies navigate in the global digital environment. 

In September the Secretary announced the Commerce Department would double the number of global markets serviced by its Digital Attaché program. Introduced as a pilot project earlier this year, the program initially covered Brazil, China, the European Union, India, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and Japan. As part of this expansion, these countries will continue to have Digital Attaches at post doubling the total markets covered. The new markets for this ground-breaking export assistance initiative were selected based on extensive stakeholder feedback and internal evaluation to identify markets with the greatest potential to contribute to the program. 

“The Digital Attaché Program is an integral part of the Department’s comprehensive strategy to address 21st century digital trade barriers,” said Secretary Pritzker. “These digital trade officers 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 Digital Attaché program is part of the Department of Commerce’s comprehensive effort to promote the digital economy and better assist industry’s modern day business needs. The program builds on the many resources the Commerce Department currently has in place to help U.S. companies succeed in international markets, including trade counseling, market intelligence, business matchmaking, and commercial diplomacy. 

Digital trade officers’ responsibilities include assisting U.S. companies to increase exports through global e-commerce channels, accessing the global online marketplace, and navigating digital policy and regulatory issues in foreign markets. Training for attachés has been coordinated by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the International Trade Administration’s U.S. Commercial Service and includes assistance from agencies and bureaus across the Commerce Department.