U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner joined Gov. Chris Gregoire Tuesday for a tour of the Port of Tacoma to emphasize how important exports are to stimulating the nation's economy.

Geithner and Gregoire toured a marine terminal and rail yard to view American-made heavy equipment and container cargo bound for Asia.

“Growing exports is critical to growing the economy,” Geithner said. “Our job as the government is to create the conditions for American business to excel. Our job is to help American businesses invest and grow. Our job is to help Americans get back to work.”

Geithner is working closely on President Barack Obama’s National Export Initiative to double American exports over the next five years. Geithner was in Washington state to learn more about the impact trade has on the state’s economy before he travels to China later this week for the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue.

“As Secretary Geithner works with the Obama Administration to significantly increase American exports, it’s only natural he comes to Washington state,” Gregoire said. “We are the most trade dependent state in the nation, and on a per-capita basis, the number one exporter in the United States. While our state is already familiar with global trade, we have the potential, and the need, to expand. Increasing our exports means new jobs for Washingtonians – from design work, to manufacturing to shipping.”

Last year, the Port of Tacoma handled more than $6 billion in exports.

“As the gateway to foreign markets for American-made goods, ports sustain jobs throughout the nation,” said Port of Tacoma Commission President Don Johnson. “We appreciated the opportunity to demonstrate how the Port of Tacoma supports the National Export Initiative through its connections to Asia.”

More tour information
Photos of the Geithner and Gregoire visit
Text of Geithner’s remarks.
Geithner’s interview at the Port with CNBC’s Erin Burnett
News release from Governor’s Office

About the Port of Tacoma
The Port of Tacoma is an economic engine for South Puget Sound, with more than 43,000 family-wage jobs in Pierce County and 113,000 jobs across Washington state connected to Port activities. A major gateway to Asia and Alaska, the Port of Tacoma is among the largest container ports in North America. The Port is also a major center for bulk, breakbulk and project/heavy-lift cargoes, as well as automobiles and trucks.

Contact: Tara Mattina, Port of Tacoma, (253) 428-8674