Private and public sectors must collaborate to build Idaho’s economy

State government cannot build Idaho’s economy by itself. It’s going to take strong international trade partnerships, and collaboration with the private sector.

A regional economic summit, headed to Boise from July 12 to 16, underscores the value of both relationships.

The sponsor is the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region, an organization covering five states (Idaho, Alaska, Montana, Oregon and Washington), three Canadian provinces (Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan) and the Yukon Territory.

The region’s economic clout matches its geographic reach. Pooled together, its annual gross regional product of more than $350 billion would rank as the 11th largest industrial economy in the world.

Full Story: http://www.idahostatesman.com/opinion/story/812233.html