The latest obsession of America's band of trade protectionists is the 'export of jobs' to India. When American companies discover that telecommunications costs are so low that it makes sense to have Indian employees answer telephone calls for airline reservations, technical assistance, and the like, Americans lose jobs. Similarly, software development, and even the reading of X—ray photos by radiologists, have been outsourced to Indian firms.

While Americans performing these jobs lose their employment, the American buyers of these services save money, which they are free to spend on other goods and services, creating new jobs. Moreover, India gains dollars, which they are free to spend on American goods, services, or investments.

Yesterday, India announced that it was buying American—made General Electric jet engines for its new Tejas jet fighter. The first contract, for 17 engines, is worth over 100 million dollars, and will be creating jobs in Lynn, Massachusetts, usually described as an 'aging blue collar industrial city.' If India proceeds a planned in equipping its air force and navy with Tejas fighters, General Electric and Lynn stand to gain over a billion and half dollars in sales. Many of the jobs created will be highly—paid blue collar work, much more lucrative than call center work.

Even better, India's deployment of American—powered jet fighters will strengthen a rapidly—growing strategic military alliance between the world's two largest democracies.

We're all winners in this transaction. Except, of course, for those who think international trade is bad.

Don't hold your breath waiting for extensive press coverage. That's why The American Thinker will keep watch for you.

Posted by Thomas  02 07 04