U.S. Commerce Secretary Evans Talks Trade and Growth Emphasizes U.S. Commitment to WTO

Today U.S. Commerce Secretary Don Evans concluded a full day of meetings focused on global growth, trade, and the role of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in fostering economic stability.

Secretary Evans met with Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi, WTO Director-General. Evans reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to the WTO, and particularly the WTO’s role as a vehicle for promoting trade and global economic prosperity. Despite four strong quarters of growth in the U.S., global economic growth and trade remains sluggish as foreign nations continue to weigh necessary economic and regulatory reform.

“The world economy has slowed and world trade has fallen sharply, but trade is a key to restoring economic growth. Making progress on the Doha Development Agenda is more critical now than ever. We need to send a clear signal to markets around the world that the talks are on schedule and that members of the WTO are committed to ensuring that deadlines outlined in Doha are met,” stated Evans. “To date we have tabled the most far-reaching proposals in three vital sectors – goods, services and agriculture. I call on our trading partners to join us in our diligent pursuit of free markets and a greater world vision that encourages entrepreneurship, embraces opportunity, and delivers hope and promise to every citizen.”

Evans’ trip to Switzerland will culminate with his participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos where he will meet with other world leaders in the public and private sectors to further policies that foster global economic growth.