The president hailed passage by lawmakers earlier in the day of legislation to speed up what he called an “outdated” patent process. He said this will allow entrepreneurs to turn new ideas into a new business as quickly as possible.

He also urged passage of trade agreements that would make it easier for U.S. companies to sell their products in Panama, Colombia and South Korea — while also helping Americans whose jobs have been affected by global competition. Mr. Obama said if Americans can buy South Korean-made Hyundai and Kia cars, he wants to see people in South Korea driving Fords, Chevys and Chryslers made in America.

The president said American workers can build everything from fuel-efficient cars to advanced biofuels and semiconductors that are sold across the globe.