The 2008 International CES, the world’s largest tradeshow for consumer technology, scheduled for January 7-10 in Las Vegas, will again feature the latest and most advanced consumer electronics products the world has to offer. And this year for the first time, the show will also focus on an important and often overlooked component of the success of the CE industry: international free trade.

A distinguished series of speakers and panels, as well as other activities, will highlight the importance and need for free trade policies that will expand economies and create new jobs.

“The technology industry is a shining star in many world economies, including the US, and that simply would not be the case without international trade,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), producer of the International CES. "Now, more than ever, the industry must demonstrate to US policymakers that free and open trade – not self-defeating protectionism – are the keys to innovation and world economic progress.”

Trade-related highlights:

* Ambassador Susan Schwab, United States Trade Representative, will discuss the state of trade in today’s global economy, and the ramifications on the CE industry.
* A new CES Industry Insider Series programme, Technology and Emerging Countries: Advancing Development Through Technology Investments, will delve into the role consumer technology plays in long-term development of emerging economies. This inaugural programme, consisting of keynote addresses, panel sessions and demonstrations of technologies, will feature top technologists and government officials, including His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda.
* Top government officials and business leaders from around the world will participate in the Technology and Emerging Countries Programme and other trade events throughout the International CES. Countries represented include Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia, China and the United Arab Emirates.

Attendees will also look for “Support Free Trade” kiosks on the exhibit floor where letters can be sent to US Congressional representatives asking them to support free trade. Additionally, the Experience CEA booth in the Grand Lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center will offer more information for attendees to learn more about how free trade benefits the industry and workers.

Nearly half of CEA’s 2,200 member companies assert that exporting to a new market within the next 12 months is part of their business plan. Of CEA’s total membership, nearly 80 per cent are small and mid-sized companies that rely on free trade to stay in business.

For more information on the CEA’s Free Trade Initiative, visit ce.org/freetrade. For the latest information on the 2008 International CES, visit cesweb.org.