United States trade representative visits Rutgers Business School

This was story written by Carrie Stetler.

The Biden-Harris Administration’s U.S. Trade Representative, Ambassador Katherine Tai, visited Rutgers Business School’s Newark campus to share her vision of a future that includes opportunities for those who haven't traditionally benefited from U.S. trade.

“We want a more inclusive trade policy,’’ said Tai. “The benefits haven’t been evenly distributed.’’

She appealed to students, faculty and university leaders to contribute ideas and efforts that could further that goal. “Please help us expand how we pursue trade,’’ she said. ”I’m very inspired by the diversity here, just in looking around this room. This is America.’’

Rutgers-Newark Interim Chancellor Jeffrey Robinson, who is a professor of Economics and International Business, expressed his excitement about the possibilities of a partnership. “You being here opens up a new avenue for us to collaborate,’’ he said.

The chancellor emphasized Rutgers-Newark’s role as an anchor institution. “Our impact is on the community, the city and the economy,” said Robinson, who co-founded The Center for Urban Entrepreneurship and Economic Development.

Before the ambassador sat down for a roundtable discussion with students and faculty, she toured the New Jersey Small Business Development Center, which is based at Rutgers-Newark and helps cultivate entrepreneurship in the state’s many diverse communities.  The tour was led by Kelly Broznya, the center’s director, and Tendai D. Ndoro, regional director.

“Every small business application is really an expression of hope,’’ Tai observed.

An important part of the ambassador’s visit focused on discussions of improving the supply chain by safeguarding against the kind of shortages that occurred during and after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Faculty and students who research and major in Supply Chain Management, Economics and International Business participated in the roundtable, led by Professor Kevin Lyons, an internationally recognized expert in supply chain environmental management and sustainability.

Rutgers Business School Dean Lei Lei told Tai that Rutgers-Newark has some of the leading scholars in the field of supply chain risk management, including Lyons, and mentioned that it is one of the most diverse business schools in the nation, with 10,000 students at its Newark and New Brunswick campuses.

“Your remarks are very inspiring,” said Lei.

Tai said that trade policies affect the lives and prospects of middle and working-class Americans, even though their impact is not always considered.

“Everything is connected,’’ she said. “Trade is part of a larger economic policy.’’

She stressed the importance of collecting data on groups that have had a harder time attaining economic prosperity, including women, communities of color, and white men without college degrees. Trade policies and practices are one way the Biden-Harris administration hopes to create opportunities for them, she said.

Policies that improve workers’ rights, human rights, and environmental stability could help workers in America and abroad, especially in nations where the legacy of Colonialism contributes to exploitation of workers and global income disparity, said Tai.

“A lot of prosperity is being created in the world. But at this moment, there is so much insecurity and anxiety. A lot of that has to do with the growing wealth gap worldwide. Twenty-six of the richest people in the world have as much wealth as the poorest 50 percent,’’ according to Tai.

Undergraduate and graduate students at the panel discussion welcomed the chance to ask questions and hear Tai’s perspective.

“Trade policy affects all of us,’’ said student Sharath Adanur, who is pursuing a master’s degree in Supply Chain Management. “It was really interesting to hear what she had to say.’’ 

During her visit, Tai acknowledged Gaiutra Bahadur, a professor in the Department of Arts, Culture and Media, who teaches journalism. Bahadur was her roommate at Yale University and has remained a friend, she said.