Eight regions could get a direct line to Ohio trade planners

Ohio would create a new commission to manage trade relationships with up to eight designated regions, turning a general interest in global commerce into a standing state body. The Ohio International Trade Commission would be tasked with advancing multilateral trade and investment, business and academic exchanges, and mutual economic support and infrastructure investment.

Its reach would go beyond commerce in the narrow sense. The commission would also promote joint research agreements on issues of mutual interest, particularly electronic and cyber warfare capabilities, and could pursue the creation of an international trade center and technology centers linking academic and business interests.

The work behind the name

The proposal would make the commission a real operating body, not just a ceremonial board. It could take up other issues members decide matter, and it would issue annual reports on its activities and recommendations.

The commission would include lawmakers, regional representatives and nonvoting members from the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and state departments with international trade duties. It would also meet around the state, and it would have to designate its first eight regions within 90 days after the new section takes effect.