"We will see exponential increases in the export of value-added products from Oregon"

"I'm convinced we will see exponential increases in the export of value-added products from Oregon over the next decade which will pay huge dividends for our citizens." – Governor John Kitzhaber

From the Oregonian article “Port of Portland toasts economic growth as international trade bounces back” by Rich Read (here):

Oregon international trade has just about recovered from its recessionary plunge, as the weak dollar boosts exports and flights fill with cargo and passengers.

That's the upbeat message from the Port of Portland, which put on a lunch for 520 busines people and community leaders Thursday to highlight the gains. Port officials, who run marine terminals and the airport, forecast continued growth….

…..Gov. John Kitzhaber, the keynote speaker, drew a standing ovation before discussing bright spots in Oregon's economy. Kitzhaber reeled off statistics, too, saying that last year, 13 million tons of goods moved through the Port, the third-highest volume in its history, "which is a good sign that things are beginning to turn around."

"I'm convinced we will see exponential increases in the export of value-added products from Oregon over the next decade," Kitzhaber said, "which will pay huge dividends for our citizens."

And:

Kitzhaber plugged his health-care and education reform initiatives as integrally tied to trade and economic development. Controlling medical inflation would help Oregon businesses and attract more companies to the state, he said. Boosting graduation rates would make Oregon more competitive, he said.

Kitzhaber, unfortunately, did not mention or advocate for more foreign language immersion programs or high school study abroad programs that could make Oregon more economically competitive internationally.