CEA Applauds Rice-Chertoff Statement Supporting International Business Travel to the United States; Statement Encourages Improvements in Technology and Screening to Maintain Border Security

Business Wire, Jan 19, 2006

ARLINGTON, Va. -- The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) welcomed yesterday's joint statement by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff which announced a three-part "vision" to improve border security and facilitate travel to the United States. The announcement, titled "Rice-Chertoff Joint Vision: Secure Borders and Open Doors in the Information Age," outlined initiatives focused on improvements in the use of technology, travel documents and screening systems that are intended to support and encourage travel to the United States while maintaining security objectives. CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro issued the following statement:

"As the producer of the International CES, the world's largest consumer technology trade show and the largest annual trade show in North America, we are pleased with the vision set forth by Secretaries Rice and Chertoff which supports and underscores the importance of business travel to the United States. We appreciate the emphasis that the Departments of State and Homeland Security have placed on the visa process as it relates to business visitors from abroad, who are so vital to the growth of the U.S. high tech and trade show industries.

"The 2006 International CES, which took place earlier this month, represents how technology is changing the way we inform, entertain and communicate. We recognize and support the important role that technology will play in fulfilling the vision set forth by Secretaries Rice and Chertoff today, especially in creating a more welcoming environment for foreign visitors at points of entry, facilitating the use of 'e-passports' and 'paperless' visa processing and supporting smarter screening processes both here and abroad.

"We encourage the Departments of State and Homeland Security to continue their efforts to increase the transparency, efficiency and predictability of the visa process, including investing in systems and devoting resources that will make a difference for the business community in the short term as well as the long term. CEA will continue its dialogue with policy makers and others to identify constructive and workable solutions that allow the conduct of international business without compromising U.S. security."

The 2006 International CES, which ran in Las Vegas from January 5-8, set attendance and show floor records, with more than 150,000 attendees from 110 countries witnessing the introduction of thousands of new products and technologies across 1.6 million net square feet of space. CES draws a global audience with more than 23,000 international executives from around the world attending the 2006 show.

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,000 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $125 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry.

CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Tomorrow's Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.

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