Asia-Pacific

Obama sets goal to double exports in 5 years

(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-01-28 15:37
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WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama is setting a goal of doubling exports over the next five years, contending that will support 2 million jobs at home.

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In his State of the Union address, Obama announced an initiative to help farmers and small businesses increase the goods they sell to overseas markets.

He promised to reform export rules and seek new markets for US goods but did not offer details.

He said reaping the benefits of trade also means that US partners must "play by the rules."

Obama said he will keep pushing for a global trade pact and to boost relations with trading partners such as South Korea, Panama and Colombia.