Secretary Speeches

Dec162016

Today at the University of Delaware, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker announced the latest addition to the Manufacturing USA network: the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL). This is the first U.S. Department of Commerce-led institute to join the network and the first awarded under the 2014 bipartisan Revitalize American Manufacturing Innovation...

Dec152016

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker delivered opening remarks at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Digital Economy Board of Advisors (DEBA) meeting. Established by Secretary Pritzker earlier this year, the DEBA serves as a centralized forum for gathering consensus input from a wide range of stakeholders and experts to help businesses and consumers realize the potential of the digital...

Dec062016

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker delivered a keynote address to USTelecom’s eighth National Cybersecurity Policy Forum on a report issued this past Friday by the Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity. Secretary Pritzker’s remarks highlighted key elements of the Commission’s recommendations, which provide industry leaders, federal lawmakers, and the incoming Administration with a...

Nov292016

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker delivered opening remarks at the Communities that Work Partnership’s (CTWP) capstone event. A joint initiative of the Department of Commerce and the Aspen Institute, the CTWP strengthens regional economies by equipping American workers with the skills needed for 21st century jobs and accelerating industry-led workforce development and training...

Nov232016

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker delivered remarks at the opening plenary session of the 27th meeting of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT). During her remarks, Secretary Pritzker highlighted the two countries’ progress in promoting bilateral trade and commerce through the JCCT, as well as lingering policy challenges that remain in our bilateral...

Nov222016

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker delivered remarks at the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) Collaborative Program on the Digital Economy. As part of the “Reimagined JCCT,” this event brought the U.S. and Chinese business communities together with government officials from both countries for a discussion on a topic that is ripe for collaboration. 

Nov212016

On Sunday, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker delivered remarks at the Warner Theater to celebrate the conclusion of the 2016 U.S.-China Tourism Year. U.S. and Chinese leaders designated 2016 as the U.S.-China Tourism Year in an effort to strengthen tourism and commercial ties between the two countries. In the U.S., government and industry worked together to enhance the tourism experience...

Nov192016

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker delivered remarks at the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-R Series (GOES-R) Launch Ceremony at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The GOES-R is the nation’s next generation of geostationary weather satellites that will significantly improve the critical oceanic and atmospheric data needed to identify severe weather...

Nov162016

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker delivered a keynote address at an event hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations on Privacy and Data in the Age of Surveillance. This symposium convened policymakers, business leaders, and academic experts for a candid discussion of online privacy in an era of fast-moving digital innovation.

Nov032016

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker delivered a keynote address at the 13th Annual Lockheed Martin Women’s Impact Network Leadership Forum yesterday in Bethesda, Maryland. The Women’s Impact Network Leadership Forum is a nationwide effort at Lockheed Martin focused on mentoring, advancing, and retaining women throughout the company.

Nov022016

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker delivered an address at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Semiconductors and the Future of the Tech Economy event. Secretary Pritzker highlighted the critical importance of the semiconductor sector to U.S. innovation and economic growth, and underscored the Obama Administration’s commitment to sustaining conditions for the...

Oct282016

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker delivered opening remarks at the Commerce Data Advisory Council (CDAC) meeting. This was the fifth and final meeting of CDAC of the Obama administration, during which Secretary Pritzker received recommendations on data management practices, external uses of Department of Commerce data, and open data standards.

Oct272016

Thank you, Susan, for your kind introduction and for your leadership at the helm of the Council of the Americas. Earlier this year, I had the honor of joining President Obama on his historic trip to Argentina – the first visit by a U.S. President in twenty years. Speaking before a group of young entrepreneurs in Buenos Aires, the President made it clear how he views the U.S.-Argentina...

Oct242016

In celebration of the 2016 Minority Enterprise Development Week, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today delivered a keynote address at the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) Conference in Chicago. Speaking to more than 2,000 CEOs and minority business leaders, Secretary Pritzker highlighted the remarkable growth of minority-owned enterprises that had taken place...

Oct192016

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today delivered remarks at the launch of the Global Procurement Initiative (GPI) in Bogota, Colombia. Secretary Pritzker is making her first official visit to Colombia, during which she will meet with government and business leaders on the importance of U.S.-Colombia commercial ties.

Oct142016

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker delivered closing remarks at the University of Southern California (USC) Port and Supply Chain Roundtable. This event brought together business leaders, stakeholders, and senior public officials to discuss how to improve port and supply chain efficiency and boost U.S. economic growth and competitiveness.

Oct072016

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker delivered remarks at the Lam Research facility in Tualatin, Ore., in celebration of Manufacturing Day (MFG Day). Joined by hundreds of Oregon students, parents, school administration, teachers, and other local partners, including several mayors, CEOs, and chamber of commerce representatives, Secretary Pritzker highlighted the significance...

Sep292016

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker delivered remarks at the official commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Babyn Yar Massacre, following speeches by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and President of the European Council Donald Tusk. Speaking on behalf of President Barack Obama and the U.S. government, Secretary Pritzker honored the memories of the 100,000 Jews, Roma,...

Sep282016

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker joined Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko to announce the conclusion of a $1 billion loan guarantee designed to promote progress on the country’s anti-corruption and economic reform agenda. This will be the third U.S. loan guarantee for Ukraine after two $1 billion loan guarantees in May 2014 and May 2015. Issuance of this loan guarantee...

Sep282016

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker delivered remarks at the Commercial Law Development Program's (CLDP) Ukraine Government Ethics, Transparency, and Corporate Compliance Workshop in Kyiv. Secretary Pritzker traveled to Kyiv to meet with private sector leaders, Ukrainian officials, and Members of the Ukrainian Rada to discuss progress on the country’s economic reform agenda...

Sep272016

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker delivered a keynote address to executives, technology industry leaders, and high-ranking government and national security officials at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s fifth-annual Cybersecurity Summit in Washington, DC.

Sep262016

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker delivered keynote remarks at the Progressive Policy Institute’s (PPI) event on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). The program highlighted key issues raised in PPI’s new report, “A Big Deal for Small Business: Seven Stories of How the Trans-Pacific Partnership Would Boost America’s Small Exporters.”

Sep202016

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker hosted the President’s Call to Action Refugee Roundtable held in conjunction with the United Nations General Assembly. President Obama joined the roundtable halfway through the discussion to hear the business leaders’ thoughts on how to address the refugee crisis.

Sep192016

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker delivered remarks to the Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity at its final meeting in Washington, D.C. President Obama has charged the Commission with developing and releasing a comprehensive set of recommendations to strengthen public and private sector cybersecurity by December 1st.

Sep142016

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker delivered opening remarks at the meeting of the President’s Export Council (PEC) at the White House. This was the last Council meeting that will take place during the Obama Administration. The PEC, which consists of 48 government and private-sector leaders, serves as the principal national advisory committee to the President on international trade.

Sep122016

Secretary Pritzker delivered the keynote address at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago. The IMTS is the premier manufacturing technology show in North America, featuring more than 2,000 exhibiting companies on the cutting edge of manufacturing technology and innovation.

Aug312016

Yesterday, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker delivered an opening statement at a press conference during the second annual U.S.-India Strategic and Commercial Dialogue (S&CD). Secretary Pritzker serves as co-chair of the S&CD with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, Indian Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj, and India Minister of Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman...

Aug302016

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker addressed the joint plenary session of the second annual U.S.-India Strategic and Commercial Dialogue (S&CD). Secretary Pritzker serves as co-chair of the S&CD with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, Indian Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj, and India Minister of Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman. In January 2015, President...

Aug302016

Yesterday, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker delivered remarks at the U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) Dinner in New Delhi. Secretary Pritzker underscored the central role of the private sector in the U.S.-India commercial relationship and the Department of Commerce’s work to integrate industry into the policymaking process through the U.S.-India CEO Forum and the U.S.-India Strategic...

Aug082016

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker joined Representative Jared Polis’s (D-CO 2nd District) in Boulder, Colorado on Thursday to recognize the contributions of America’s small and innovative firms in honor of Startup Across America Day. Speaking before an audience of entrepreneurs, Secretary Pritzker affirmed the Department of Commerce’s commitment to providing innovative small businesses...

Aug042016

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker traveled to San Diego this evening to deliver remarks at Trans-Pacific Partnership and San Diego: Partners in Prosperity, an event co-hosted by the World Trade Center San Diego and Qualcomm, Inc. During her remarks, Secretary Pritzker discussed how the San Diego economy is poised to benefit from TPP, citing the city's high-tech industries and...

Aug022016

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker introduced Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore at an event Monday evening hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council. During her remarks, Secretary Pritzker thanked Prime Minister Lee for playing a key leadership role in securing the completion of the Trans Pacific Partnership and highlighted the strategic...

Jul152016

Yesterday, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker received the Washington International Trade Association’s Global Leadership Award and delivered remarks at the organization’s 2016 Annual Dinner. Secretary Pritzker was recognized for her significant contributions to the advancement and facilitation of international trade.

Jul112016

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker delivered remarks to open the U.S. Pavilion at the 2016 Farnborough International Airshow in England. At the week-long biannual trade show, U.S. aerospace manufacturers, along with industry partners from across the world, will demonstrate new civilian and military aircraft to potential customers and investors.

Jun242016

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker delivered remarks to kick-off the final day of the Global Entrepreneurship summit at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. Following the last two successful Summits in Morocco and Kenya, GES 2016 has come to Silicon Valley in order to highlight the successes of thousands of firms in the area that exemplify America’s entrepreneurial spirit...

Jun222016

During her remarks, Secretary Pritzker emphasized the importance of remaining committed to the Principles for Internet Policy Making developed by the OECD in 2011 that stress a flexible, multistakeholder approach to Internet policymaking and strengthen international cooperation. She urged OECD member states to redouble their commitment to the OECD principles of openness, to the free flow of...

Jun202016

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker introduced President Barack Obama at the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, D.C. Since taking office, President Obama’s Administration has worked tirelessly with the private sector to move the U.S. economy from recession to recovery to expansion. During her remarks, Secretary Pritzker highlighted President Obama’s vision in creating...

Jun202016

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker delivered the keynote address at the 2016 SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, D.C. Hosted by the International Trade Administration, the summit brought together more than 2,400 participants to discuss the role foreign direct investment (FDI) plays in the U.S. economy and encourage investment in the United States.

Jun152016

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker delivered remarks at the Central Illinois Chamber of Commerce fly-in on Tuesday, June 14 in Washington, D.C. Hosted by the Peoria, Illinois Area Chamber of Commerce, the event invited more than 50 Peoria business leaders and local Illinois elected officials to discuss issues impacting the Central Illinois area.

Jun072016

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker delivered the keynote address on Monday at the American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI) Annual Conference. AAEI represents U.S. companies engaged in global trade and works to advocate on behalf of its members before Congress, executive agencies, and multi-lateral organizations, including the World Trade Organization (WTO).

May192016

On May 18, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker delivered keynote remarks at the Global Digital Challenge Initiative Conference hosted by the Bipartisan Policy Center and the Mike Rogers Center for Intelligence and Global Affairs. This conference brought together leaders in policy, business and technology to discuss issues critical to the global digital economy, such as cybersecurity and...

May162016

On behalf of President Obama, the Commerce Department, and the entire Administration, congratulations to all of the recipients of the 2016 President’s “E” and ”E-Star” Awards. Each of you has made significant contributions to not only U.S. exports, but to our country’s competitiveness and economic dynamism by creating good jobs for our people. I think that warrants a round of applause. Our...

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