FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, February 10, 2012
CONTACT OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
202-482-4883

U.S. Commerce Secretary John Bryson participated in two meetings at the Commerce Department yesterday to discuss U.S. trade relations and promoting economic growth, as part of his priority of helping more businesses build it here and sell it everywhere.

First, Secretary Bryson met with Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam Vu Van Ninh, which was part of the first high-level delegation from Vietnam to the United States this year. Bryson and Ninh discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the commercial and economic relationship between the two countries. They also talked about market access issues, the progress of Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations, and the National Export Initiative, which was designed to help meet President Obama’s goal of doubling U.S. exports by the end of 2014. In addition, Bryson took the opportunity to advocate for U.S. companies bidding for projects in Vietnam. Bryson said he looks forward to continuing to strengthen the trade relationship between the United States and Vietnam.

Later yesterday morning, Bryson met with Mexican Secretary of the Economy Bruno Ferrari. They discussed Mexico’s interest in joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a high-standard agreement that provides market access opportunities across the Asia-Pacific region. TPP negotiations currently include Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam, as well as the United States. Japan and Canada have also announced their interest in joining negotiations. Bryson and Ferrari also discussed U.S.-Mexico competitiveness, including the 21st Century Border Executive Steering Committee (ESC) and the High-Level Regulatory Cooperation Council (HLRCC), initiatives that the two countries have established to promote commerce, travel and economic growth.