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Oklahoma's International Strategic Plan Released

For Immediate Release: March 30, 2000

Oklahoma City, OK - plan to prepare Oklahoma for global competitiveness in the 21st century was released in a ceremony at the State Capitol today. The purpose of the "International Strategic Plan for Oklahoma" is to contribute to economic development through export trade and the attraction of foreign direct investment to the state.

Over 50 organizations statewide including the Governor's International Team, Oklahoma State University's School of International Studies and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce International Trade and Investment Division, helped develop the plan.

As Director of Commerce's division of International Trade and Investment, Kevin Chambers said that prior to the plan's development, many of the groups had similar agendas but lack coordination and cohesion. "This plan is based on cooperation and collaboration among private sector, governmental, educational, and non-governmental organizations. It provides a common vision for the future and a roadmap for actions needed to accomplish specific goals and objectives," said Chambers.

In late 1998, extensive research was conducted to gain a better quantitative understanding of the state's international trade performance. Results released in the report show that Oklahoma is an active member of the global community and performs well in some areas of the international arena. However, the data shows that on many different fronts Oklahoma lags behind other states regionally and nationally.

Stephen Miller, director of OSU's International Programs and Professor of Marketing, said the plan calls for the creation of a statewide international network named the Oklahoma International Congress (OIC). "This network will provide a mechanism for communication, monitor progress and give annual updates of the plan. The economic health of Oklahoma is dependent on our acceptance of the challenge to succeed in the global competitive environment," said Miller.

The entire report is accessible at www.odoc.state.ok.us as well as an on-line international newsletter called the Global Oklahoman. Find the latest information on tradeshows, missions, incoming delegations, an international events calendar as well as workshops and seminars under the G1obal Assistance section of our website. For more information about the International Strategic Plan for Oklahoma, please contact Kevin Chambers at (918) 594-8117 of Steven Miller at (405) 744-5204.