NATIONAL FOREIGN TRADE COUNCIL, INC.

1625 K STREET, N.W., WASHINGTON, DC 20006-1604
Tel: (202) 887-0278		Fax: (202) 452-8160

PROFILE OF THE NATIONAL FOREIGN TRADE COUNCIL

BACKGROUND:

The NFTC was founded in 1914 by a group of U.S. industrial companies engaged in international trade and investment. From that date to the present, the Council has been a leading spokesman on behalf of the private sector for an open international trade and investment regime embodied in international agreements such as GATT and the WTO. It opposes the use of foreign policy sanctions, while encouraging a positive government role, e.g., export finance. The NFTC is the only broadly based trade association dealing exclusively with U.S. public policy affecting international trade and investment.

The Council maintains offices in Washington, DC, and New York City, with the former becoming the major focus as the Council has become more active in the policy process in Washington.

The Council has enjoyed continuing support from Presidents of the United States, beginning with President Wilson's endorsement of the formation of the Council in 1914. Subsequent Presidents have continued this support related to specific Council activities.

MEMBERSHIP AND ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE:

The Council's membership consists of some 550 U.S. manufacturing corporations, financial institutions and other U.S. firms having substantial international operations or interests. It is the oldest and largest U.S. association of businesses devoted to international trade matters. Its membership consists primarily of U.S. firms engaged in all aspects of international business, trade, and investment. Most of the largest U.S. manufacturing companies and most of the 50 largest U.S. banks are Council members. Council members account for at least 70% of all U.S. non-agricultural exports and 70% of U.S. private foreign investment. The Council's members govern the Council through a Board of Directors, consisting of representatives of over 50 member companies. Because the Council's membership is composed of firms having strong interest in international trade and investment, and those members are committed to an open international trading system, there is a broad consensus on basic policies within the membership.

OBJECTIVE OF THE COUNCIL:

The fundamental goal of the Council is to develop policies reflecting the interests and consensus of Council members, designed to expand exports, protect U.S. foreign investment, enhance the competitiveness and profitability of U.S. industry and promote and maintain a fair and equitable trading system.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:

To influence U.S. Government policies and actions related to trade, foreign investment, taxation of foreign source income, export finance, and other selected issues of importance to U.S. foreign trade and to NFTC members.

To keep the NFTC membership informed of the Council's progress in advocating and implementing NFTC Policy recommendations as developed with the membership and to provide members with detailed statements of NFTC positions for members' use in communicating their positions to policy makers and the public.

IMPLEMENTATION OF OBJECTIVES:

Council positions, developed by Council Committees which represent the membership, and approved by the Board of Directors, are communicated to the Administration, Congress and policy makers. Where appropriate, these positions are presented to international organizations as well. Methods of advocacy include testimony at Congressional hearings, formal and informal contacts with government officials, sponsorship of public meetings and conferences, and a variety of written communications.

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