WHEREAS, it is commonly recognized by the political leadership of the State of South Carolina, as well as by private and academic opinion-makers, that global cooperation is crucial to the social and economic vitality of South Carolina; and

WHEREAS, South Carolina has the second highest percentage of citizens working for internationally owned companies, and with a presence of over 500 foreign companies in the state employing an excess of 93,000 South Carolinians, the desire of state agencies, educational institutions, businesses and citizens to participate in international activities is increasing at an exponential rate; and

WHEREAS, many of South Carolina's universities and colleges are already involved in the internationalization of their academic community, including student and faculty exchanges; and

WHEREAS, many states are becoming increasingly aware of the opportunities and advantages for its businesses, citizens, and governments in establishing formal partnerships and a strong working dialogue with international partners, evidenced by the fact that many American states have offices for the conducting of international activities;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, I do hereby establish the South Carolina Commission on International Cooperation and Agreements ("Commission"). The objectives of the Commission shall be:

1. To heighten public awareness of South Carolina's international role;
2. To foster cooperative relationships between South Carolina and foreign states;
3. To advocate partnerships between business, government, education, cultural and other organizations and our foreign partners;
4. To establish mechanisms to engage larger circles of South Carolinians in discussion of our international challenges and opportunities; and
5. To manage sister state relationships in these areas.

The Commission shall be initially composed of nine members consisting of the following:

1. The President Pro Tempore of the Senate or his/her designee;
2. The Speaker of the House of Representatives or his/her designee;
3. The Director of the SC Budget and Control Board or his/her designee;
4. The Secretary of the SC Department of Commerce or his/her designee; and
5. Five additional members appointed by the Governor, one of whom shall serve as Chair.

The Commission members shall develop and adopt an organizational and administrative protocol to provide for an enduring structure in accordance with the objectives of this Order.

This Order shall take effect immediately.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, THIS 2nd DAY OF JULY, 2003

MARK SANFORD
Governor

Last Updated: Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at 11:14 A.M.