一 | The following is a transcript of an interview with Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo that aired on "Face the Nation" on September 3, 2023.
ROBERT COSTA: We now go to the Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. Good morning, Secretary. Thanks for being here. Let's begin with the economy. On Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the jobs report for August, and people around their tables this weekend are looking at it. It shows 187,000 jobs were added last month, exceeding expectations. But more people are working more than one job. How worried are you about this?SECRETARY GINA RAIMONDO: Good morning, thanks for having me. This jobs report is exactly what we want to see at this point in the recovery. As you just said, you know, creating more jobs, really exciting is that people are getting off of the sidelines. You know, we're seeing more people come into the labor force and there are jobs for them. As you say, people are working, you know, more than one job and wages are up, it should be said, but this is exactly why President Biden is so focused on creating manufacturing jobs, which are higher paid, getting folks the skills they need to get a higher paying job. There's still a lot of work to do to make sure that every American has the skills they need to get a job, which is family support and sustaining. But- and we're doing that work. But overall, there's a lot to like in this jobs report. And it's exactly- it exceeded our expectations.
ROBERT COSTA: In terms of that work that's still to be done, the administration is touting its efforts. It's confident in the economy. But our CBS News polling, Secretary, shows 65% of Americans still view the economy as being in a bad place. Why do you believe your administration, along with President Biden, has struggled to reassure those Americans about these policies and about the economy?SEC. RAIMONDO: So it's- it's an interesting, you know, dichotomy between the- the numbers, and as you say the polling numbers or the- the perception numbers, I think the reality is that inflation still exists. And it is, you know, something that people see on a daily basis when they go to the grocery store, or pay their rent, or pay their mortgage. And we have to know that, you know, that's still a challenge for folks. That being said, if you look at where we are today, compared to when the President took office, it's an unbelievable story of progress. And I will tell you, even I, you know, his- the President's Commerce Secretary, if you had told me when we started based on where the economy was, how high the unemployment rate was, how, you know, disrupted supply chains were, that we'd be sitting here now with this jobs picture, I might not have believed it. I mean, it's just a stunning amount of progress. The economy- we're among the strongest economies in the world. We all went through COVID, right, Europe did, China did, Asia did yet we have emerged, the fastest and the strongest. So I don't want to minimize what Americans are feeling, and that's why we get up and go to work every day. But this economy by any measure is doing incredibly well and much better than anyone could have predicted I think three years ago when we started.
ROBERT COSTA: After looking back, let's also look ahead, the White House is working with Congress to hammer out an agreement on a short term funding measure to avoid an October 1 partial federal government shutdown. When you talk to business leaders right now, are they worried about this deadline and what a shutdown could mean for the US economy?SEC. RAIMONDO: Yes, they are worried- they're very worried. They are, I think, in some cases, frustrated that this is how government operates. You know, what businesses need to be successful is- is predictability, you know, predictability, some semblance of, you know, regular order. And so these sorts of disruptions that are mainly driven by politics. So it's a challenge for the economy and have the potential to set us back. So I do hope that there will be a speedy resolution.ROBERT COSTA: Secretary, you are the first commerce secretary in five years to be on the ground in China in recent days. What progress, if any, do you think you made on the ground there?SEC. RAIMONDO: I think we made a great deal of progress. In terms of concrete deliverables, I was able to open three specific lines of communication with the Chinese, which is a huge step forward. We haven't really had any contact in more than five years. So we agreed to share information about export controls, we agreed to open a dialogue on commercial issues, which is so important, because China has not treated US business fairly. And so it's- we got to put those issues on the table. And we agree to have exchange around trade secrets, another area where businesses need to- deserve to know that their trade secrets will be protected in China. But I think more than any of that we just are starting to resume a direct line of contact and communication, which we need to do if we're going to manage what is a very complex and potentially volatile relationship with China.
ROBERT COSTA: So people may be heartened to hear at least some that the US and the Chinese, they're talking, there's open lines of communication right now. But what's next, beyond having this dialogue? What specifically can you say is going to happen next?SEC. RAIMONDO: So my message to the Chinese officials with whom I met is that action speaks louder than words. So they gave verbal assurances that they will treat US businesses fairly, that they will not engage in non-market practices which hurt American workers. And my message was, well, let's see it. You know, actions speak louder than words. So time will tell whether they are going to really be as they say they want to be, you know, more market oriented and open and reform minded when it comes to their economy, their regulatory regime. They need to be less arbitrary in the way they administer regulations to actually give American businesses a fair shot to compete.ROBERT COSTA: You said on the trip that quote, increasingly, I hear from American business that China is uninvestable, because it becomes too risky. So what exactly did you get in terms of those assurances from the Chinese, that would really give confidence to American business leaders?SEC. RAIMONDO: They said that they would talk to American businesses and begin to address these issues. Like, for example, one of the complaints I hear frequently from US business, by the way, business who are used to doing business in- in difficult parts of the world. They say that, you know, China's regulations are not at all transparent. You know, they'll raid a business in March and not explain what went on for many months. They will arrest folks but not provide due process or tell you what happened. And so when I expressed these concerns, I was heard, I wasn't given any promises. But one thing that I think we can take a bit of heart in is it's in China's interest. It's in their economic interest to have foreign direct investment and to make sure, you know, they had a very good economy when they were market oriented and reform minded. And so we have to hope that self interest will affect their future decisions.ROBERT COSTA: So they might have that motivation, but you saw them face to face, you had meetings with them. That's the value of having these sorts of trips. Do you trust the Chinese at this point after all of your conversations, after digesting what happened on your trip, do you trust them?SEC. RAIMONDO: Trust is probably not the word I would use. We need to see action. And until we see action, there can be no trust.ROBERT COSTA: And they hacked into your own email account so that might have hurt the ability to have a trustworthy relationship.
SEC. RAIMONDO: Exactly. And I said that, you know, hacking my account erodes trust, undermining American workers, by over subsidizing certain industries erodes trust, treating American businesses unfairly on the ground erodes trust. So but, you know, look, I- we can't be naive and oversimplify this relationship, this very challenging relationship. But we have to be practical, right? We have to protect ourselves first and foremost, national security, the United States. Beyond that we have to be practical and look for places where we can have a strong commercial relationship because we need stability in this relationship. That's good for America. And- and I think it's what the world is expecting of us and of China.ROBERT COSTA: You're looking for stability, Secretary. But the big question is, is China's economy stable? There have been indicators over the last several months that showed China's economy's in a slowdown. When you were over there, did you get insights, if any, about whether the Chinese economy is slowing down? And how concerning would that be for the United States?SEC. RAIMONDO: I think there's no question that it is slowing down. And certainly they're having real, real significant challenges in the real estate sector, which they readily acknowledged when I was there. But again, to my mind, the facts are quite clear in this regard. When China was more market oriented, open, you know, a little bit more transparent, their economy did very well. And more recently, as they have closed down and become more arbitrary in the way they administer regulations, the economy is quite challenged. So time will tell. The decision- the ball's in their court- the decisions are theirs. We want a large and stable economic relationship with them, but they have to play by the rules. And we are always going to act in our own American self-interest.ROBERT COSTA: Speaking of playing by the rules, there's such a standoff right now between the Chinese and tech companies. Semiconductors are crucial for our economy, yet China's threatening to curb the mineral supply to the US and the West. And many US businesses tell CBS they're operating in China, but seeing this hostile environment with raids, and fines. So how is your administration going to solve this back and forth between the Chinese and the tech industry?SEC. RAIMONDO: This is exactly why I went to China. It's exactly why I went, showed up, had meetings. I met with my counterpart for more than four hours. I met with the premier for more than one hour. They were open, candid, honest discussions. How are we going to resolve these issues? Because I'll tell you, prior to going to China, I personally spoke with more than 100 US business leaders and labor leaders. And what they tell me is that even the ones that have been doing business in China for decades, you know, these are sophisticated people used to dealing with the traditional concerns of, you know, IP- IP theft or non-market practices. They say, it's much harder now. Right? Like China is making it more difficult because of the reasons you say the raids, the counter espionage law. They are going to make a business decision to do business in other countries unless that improves. And so I was very clear with China that we need to- patience is wearing thin among American business. They need and deserve a predictable environment and a level playing field. And hopefully China will heed that message so we can have a stable growing commercial relationship.ROBERT COSTA: And there are many voices as you know in the ears of American business leaders. A Wall Street Journal report, earlier this year, for example, said that the FBI director, Christopher Wray, wants businesses to help fight China and cyber threats. He reportedly said that only through cooperation with the FBI can that agency marshal an effective response. Do you agree with Director Wray?SEC. RAIMONDO: I agree that business has an important role to play partnering with us to ensure America's national security across a range of different areas, including technology. And, you know, that's why we are in such close contact with business, frankly, often the information they have on the ground is some of the best that we can- we can get.
ROBERT COSTA: But is it good for businesses to work with the FBI specifically?SEC. RAIMONDO: Every business has to make their own decision. But I definitely think there's value- there's mutual value for business, and certainly for the government to have communication and coordination.ROBERT COSTA: And I'm often out on the campaign trail, Secretary. And I know you stay out of politics. But one thing I'm hearing from so many Republicans across the country, especially governors, they want to block Chinese companies from making investments and buying farmland in the United States. Does the Biden administration and do you support Chinese companies making investments and buying farmland in the United States?SEC. RAIMONDO: We have to be very, very careful, we have to screen every investment and make a decision as to whether it hurts our national security or not. Not every investment from China into America is- harms our national security, but many do. And so it's a case by case basis, looking into the facts and being as tough as we need to be, but also being, you know, realistic and not hyperbolic. Just being, like I say, practical. It's time to be practical, pragmatic and serious about managing every aspect of this relationship.ROBERT COSTA: Secretary Raimondo, we appreciate you taking the time on a Sunday. Thank you.SEC. RAIMONDO: Thank you. Have a great Labor Day weekend.
。 编者按：作为马克思主义建党学说中国化时代化的最新成果，习近平党建思想不仅形成了系统完备的科学体系，更蕴含着坚定的理想信念、高度的历史主动、鲜明的问题导向、强烈的使命担当、深厚的为民情怀、科学的思想方法，具有鲜明的理论品格。为进一步深刻领会习近平党建思想，《天天学习》栏目特别推出系列策划，带您一起走进这些闪耀思想光辉、饱含鲜明品格的历史现场，探寻习近平党建思想的理论源头与实践根基，感悟思想伟力、汲取奋进力量。
丨天天学习丨2024年10月16日，金秋鹭岛，碧海蓝天。正在福建考察的习近平总书记来到中国(福建)自由贸易试验区厦门片区，走进厦门自贸片区建设成果展厅。
在一个展台前，习近平总书记停下了脚步。
《1985年—2000年厦门经济社会发展战略》
展台上，一本蓝色封皮、300多页的《1985年—2000年厦门经济社会发展战略》引人注目。总书记仔细翻阅，忆起往事，不禁感慨：“我们在这里参与了创业，如今的发展，比我们当时想象的还要好。”
这是一场怎样的“创业”？
时间回溯到1985年。那一年，厦门迎来一个重要历史关口——国务院批准厦门经济特区范围由2.5平方公里扩至全岛131平方公里，并明确逐步实行自由港的某些政策。
也正是在那年夏天，习近平从河北正定南下，担任厦门市委常委、副市长，“第一次直接参与沿海发达地区的改革开放，第一次亲历城市的建设和管理”。这一年，他33岁。
当时，处于经济特区初创期的厦门正面临一系列新课题——自由港怎么搞？人员如何自由进出？金融、货币政策什么样？……国内没有现成经验可循。社会上出现了不同声音：有人盲目乐观，想着照搬香港、新加坡模式，厦门很快将迎来翻天覆地的变化；也有一些悲观论调，认为厦门经济底子薄、海防任务重，短时间恐难有较大突破。
这些问题也萦绕在初到厦门的习近平心头。
如何完整准确把握贯彻党中央意图，把特区“办得更快些更好些”？习近平没有急于下论断，而是深入调研、冷静思考，提出要制定一个中长期发展战略。
在习近平看来，经济发展战略要有基础性工作，要有行业规划、城市规划。1986年7月，在厦门市经济社会发展战略课题专职人员动员和工作部署会议上，习近平非常清醒地提示大家说：“我们从事现代化经济建设，要有长远考虑，统筹全局，不能只顾眼前，临事应付，那样会事倍功半，甚至会迷失方向，把握不住全局的主动权。”
在这次会议上，厦门市中长期发展规划制定工作正式启动。
在习近平带领下，战略研究办公室的同志专程到北京向有关部门和专家请教；由十几家单位、100多位专家教授组成的课题组深入基层一线，跑工厂、下农村、走访口岸，积累了大量调研资料，摸清了厦门的市情家底；课题组还采用了计量经济模型、投入产出模型等当时先进的定量分析方法，确保决策的科学性和前瞻性。
历时一年半，一份300多页、20余万字的战略规划编制完成。这也是我国地方政府最早编制的一份纵跨15年的经济社会发展战略。
这是2024年9月3日拍摄的厦门筼筜湖和周边城市生态景观。
翻看这份规划，其前瞻性至今令人惊叹：在全国同类规划中率先提出“生态位”概念，明确在发展特区经济的同时，要防止环境污染，保持生态平衡；明确自由港建设“三步走”战略，首次明确提出在厦门建立象屿保税区的具体方案；前瞻性布局金融中心、航运中心、旅游中心等城市功能；首次提出“在适当的时候逐步开展离岸金融业务”……当年写进规划中的许多构想，在后来40年里逐一落地生根，成为厦门发展的现实图景。
“习近平同志对厦门的贡献，不只在于一栋楼、一条路、一座桥，而是长远性、方向性、全局性的贡献。”谈及这段“创业史”，时任厦门市计委副主任、发展战略三名主编之一的郑金沐这样评价。
二 |
这种立足长远、系统谋划的思路，在习近平此后的从政实践中不断延续深化。从福州“3820”工程到浙江“八八战略”，再到新时代一系列重大战略部署，一以贯之的是对发展规律的认识和把握，持续深化的是“功成不必在我、功成必定有我”的使命担当。
三 |
如今，昔日的海防小城，已成为世界观察中国改革开放的重要窗口。
四 | 厦门地区生产总值从1985年的不足20亿元跃升至2025年的8980.37亿元，集装箱吞吐量跻身全球前列。自贸试验区累计推出数百项制度创新成果，其中多项综合改革试点经验被国家发改委、中央台办推广全国。
一份规划，藏着一城之兴、一国之治的密码，跨越时光，在新的时代坐标下依然彰显出历久弥新的力量。
五 |
总监制丨骆红秉 魏驱虎
监 制丨李绍飞 王敬东
主 编丨李璇
策 划丨孙晓媛
编 辑丨孟利铮
视 觉丨郝凤林
校 对丨李珊珊 孙洁 宋春燕 任佳 李英卓
出 品丨中央广播电视总台央视网 【编辑:徐世傲】。
