Washington, DC - Under Secretary Catherine A. Novelli will travel to San Francisco and Silicon Valley, California May 4-6 to meet with business leaders to discuss how President Obama’s trade agenda will provide new opportunities for workers and support economic growth by opening markets to American-made goods and services. In addition, Under Secretary Novelli, as the Department’s Senior Coordinator for International Information Technology Diplomacy, will discuss her international innovation and Internet-related priorities for 2015.

While visiting California, Under Secretary Novelli plans to meet a broad cross-section of business and civic leaders at the Bay Area Council where she will deliver a major trade speech outlining the Administration’s strategic economic goals. In addition, Under Secretary Novelli, plans to meet with European government representatives, entrepreneurs, and technology professionals to exchange views on the business climate for technology companies in California and in Europe. Throughout the visit, the Under Secretary plans to meet with California-based innovators, entrepreneurs, academics, legal practitioners, advocacy groups, and venture capitalists to share perspectives on government policies and practices that can help spark and foster innovation around the world.