St. Paul – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced that Laurence Reszetar, DEED's Director of International Business Strategy for the Minnesota Trade Office, was appointed to the Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). In this role, Reszetar will represent the voice of Minnesotans when advising the USTR on provisions within trade agreements.

"Laurence's expertise with diversified global trade helps ensure our economy remains strong, and he's the perfect leader to represent Minnesotans and showcase our innovation on the global stage," said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. "Laurence's appointment on behalf of Minnesotans will help highlight all that international trade brings to Minnesota. Exports are a critical part of our state's economy, both now and into the future." 

Foreign trade plays an important role in supporting Minnesota's economy, with more than $40 billion of sales of goods and services annually to foreign customers of Minnesota's companies. The trade policy of the U.S. is also integral to the expansion of foreign investment in Minnesota as foreign-owned companies are both significant employers in Minnesota and notable global trading entities.

"Laurence will be a tremendous advocate for Minnesota exporters in this key role," said Gabrielle Gerbaud, Executive Director of the Minnesota Trade Office. "We look forward to further enhancing global export opportunities and attracting foreign investment to the state through this important work with the USTR."

As the Director of International Business Strategy in the Minnesota Trade Office, Reszetar develops and implements the state's strategy for international commercial engagement. He joined the MTO in 2014 as the state's first Director for Foreign Direct Investment and since then Minnesota has seen the largest increase of foreign direct investment of any state in the country.

"I look forward to representing the voices of Minnesotans on the committee and sharing our perspective on how the terms of trade agreements impact states and can increase our state's annual exports of $27 billion in goods and an estimated nearly $16 billion in services," said Reszetar. "All of this leads to improving Minnesota's economy for everyone."

About the Minnesota Trade Office 

The Minnesota Trade Office (MTO) supports small- and medium-sized Minnesota businesses through technical assistance, export education and training programs, trade promotion activities, services by offices in strategic overseas locations, and export expansion grants. State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) grants – 50% matching, up to $7,500 – support a range of export development activities, including participation in trade shows and missions. In addition, the MTO attracts Foreign Direct Investment by helping foreign companies explore the advantages of expanding or relocating in Minnesota. The MTO also serves as Minnesota's Office of Protocol, ensuring that the state's interactions with foreign delegations and dignitaries are conducted with appropriate diplomatic etiquette and cultural practices.