The Commerce Department has expanded its Digital Attache Program to six additional markets such as South Korea, Indonesia, Mexico, South Africa, Germany and France to help U.S. firms explore the digital ecosystem in these countries.
The expansion brings the total number of digital trade officers to 12 who will work with U.S. companies to grow exports through global e-commerce channels, access the global online marketplace and navigate digital policy in foreign markets, the department said Monday.
“The Digital Attache Program is an integral part of the department’s comprehensive strategy to address 21st century digital trade barriers,†said Penny Pritzker, Commerce secretary.
In early 2016, the program started with initial markets Brazil, China, the European Union, India, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Japan and the department announced its planned expansion in September.
The department selected the new markets based on stakeholder feedback and internal evaluation and these countries will retain their digital attaches at post.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the International Trade Administration’s U.S. Commercial Service coordinated the training for attaches.
