Perry (R)
From the Office of the Governor
HOUSTON � Gov. Rick Perry touted Texas' strong economic environment � created by low taxes, a reasonable and predictable regulatory climate and a skilled and educated workforce � for helping to make Texas the top exporting state in the nation for the eighth year in a row in 2009.
The governor spoke at the North Houston Economic Outlook Annual Symposium on Feb. 11.
"Texas leads the nation in so many positive categories, from Fortune 500 companies to job creation, and we owe it to our citizens to continue our economic success by adhering to our proven fiscal disciplines," Gov. Perry said. "Our principled leadership has created an environment that allows us to compete for jobs, investment and business, and defend the economic climate that has made Texas the top exporting state in the nation for the eighth straight year."
Texas' exports totaled more than $163 billion for 2009, with the top export recipients being Mexico, Canada, China, the Netherlands and Korea, which respectively imported $56 billion, $13.7 billion, $8.9 billion, $6 billion and $5.3 billion in Texas-manufactured goods.
Texas' top exporting industries in 2009 were computers and electronics, chemicals, machinery, petroleum and coal, and transportation equipment.
The governor credited the Texas Enterprise Fund with helping attract businesses, jobs and investment to the state. He cited TEF investments in Allstate that will create up to 600 new jobs in San Antonio, and Cardiovascular Systems, which is bringing 100 new jobs to Pearland.
The governor also touted the Texas Emerging Technology Fund, which is moving millions of dollars through the Houston Technology Center into young companies whose technologies got their start in university laboratories around the state.
Texas' economy continues to receive national attention. Seven Texas metro areas are expected to be among the first to emerge from the recession, according to Moody's Economy and Texas was ranked as the 2009 Best Business Climate by Business Facilities magazine.
Additionally, according to the Texas Workforce Commission, Texas created more private sector jobs than any other state in the nation over the last 10 years, and has the lowest unemployment rate among the 10 largest states in the nation.
For more information regarding 2009 export data, please visit: http://governor.state.tx.us/ecodev/business_resources/international_business_and_recruitment/ or https://www.wisertrade.org/naics/ftbegin