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DETROIT — Ford president and chief executive officer Alan Mulally praised President Obama's target for U.S. export expansion on Wednesday in a statement discussing the appointment of the Detroit automaker's leader to the President's Export Council.

Obama revealed Wednesday that Mulally will be part of the council that offers the commander-in-chief guidance related regarding export enhancement. The PEC also advises the president on how to promote greater exports and ventures into new markets among companies.

"At Ford, we believe an export-driven strategy is critical to achieving our shared goals of economic growth, job creation and a sustainable future," Mulally shared. "One thing is certain. For exports to grow we must ensure that market access for manufactured goods remains at the center of U.S. trade policy.

"Manufacturing matters to American jobs, investment and economic activity. It represents the future of green, hi-tech jobs that will drive innovation and it also happens to represent more than 60 percent of U.S. exports," he continued.

"Through the President's Export Council, I hope we can also explore ways to create and bolster public-private partnerships that will create the environment for innovative manufacturing that will drive exports," Mulally added.