Statement By U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk On Announcements From Mexico And Canada Regarding The Trans-Pacific Partnership

Honolulu, HI – Today, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk commented on the statements issued by the governments of Mexico and Canada regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP):

“The United States welcomes the interest of Canada and Mexico, our neighbors and largest export markets, in seeking to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership talks,” said Ambassador Kirk. “We look forward to initiating consultations with them and with Congress and our domestic stakeholders and to discussing the TPP’s high standards for liberalizing trade and specific issues of concern to the United States. These will include stronger protection of intellectual property rights, additional specific opportunities for U.S. goods, services, and investment, and the elimination of various non-tariff barriers. Along with Japan’s similar announcement this week, the desire of these North American nations to consult with TPP partners demonstrates the broadening momentum and dynamism of this ambitious effort toward economic integration across the Pacific.”