2012

By Tiffany Enoch, Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement

On Wednesday, October 10th, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk hosted a conference call with members of the Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee (IGPAC). The IGPAC is comprised of representatives from state and local governments and organizations, who provide policy advice and recommendations to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

Ambassador Kirk discussed a number of key trade issues on the call, including the critical role of the Interagency Trade Enforcement Center (ITEC). The ITEC, created by President Obama’s executive order earlier this year, draws on the expertise of many federal agencies to enforce trade agreements with our international trading partners. Ambassador Kirk spoke at length about ITEC’s enhanced enforcement efforts, and detailed some of the pending and completed enforcement cases before World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute panels.

Ambassador Kirk also briefed the Committee on the admission of Mexico and Canada into the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), the importance of securing permanent normal trading relations (PNTR) with Russia, the positive effects of trade agreements on jobs and growth, and the benefits of a potential comprehensive trade agreement between the United States and the European Union. IGPAC members engaged with Ambassador Kirk on these and other issues, and offered recommendations from their state and local perspectives.

By Isaac Faz, Acting Assistant USTR for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement

Today, Ambassador Kirk hosted the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations (ACTPN) at its biannual meeting in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Ambassador Kirk reviewed the work of the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) over the last year, and also touched on its continuing efforts to negotiate the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), expand trade opportunities in Africa, and enhance trade enforcement with the help of the newly formed Interagency Trade Enforcement Center (ITEC).

Harold "Terry" McGraw of McGraw-Hill Companies moderates Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations Conference

Director of the National Economic Council Gene Sperling and Deputy National Security Advisor Michael Froman delivered trade-related updates to the Committee as well. Director Sperling spoke on the need to do everything we can to strengthen America’s economic recovery while maintaining long-term fiscal discipline, and to ensure that we invest in infrastructure, skills, and research and technology. Deputy National Security Advisor Froman addressed ongoing international trade initiatives, and reiterated the importance of granting permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) to Russia. Establishing PNTR with Russia will ensure that U.S. businesses, workers, and innovators can reap the full benefits of Russia’s membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Ambassador Kirk speaks at this year's second ACTPN meeting.

Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Miriam Sapiro, USTR General Counsel Tim Reif, and Director of ITEC Brad Ward all provided additional input for the committee members. During the open discussion, members asked specific questions on a range of topics that included China, the TPP, a potential trade agreement with the European Union, and the recently implemented trade agreement with Colombia.

In closing, Ambassador Kirk thanked the members for their service and noted that October 11, 2012, was the 50th Anniversary of USTR, which was established in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy.

By Kate Villarreal, Press Assistant 

Yesterday, United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk kicked off this year’s Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) at a launch event attended by Executive Office of the President (EOP) employees in the South Court Auditorium of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Ambassador Kirk is serving as the EOP Chair for the CFC, which, through the collective contributions of more than 120,000 civilian and military federal employees in the National Capital Area, is part of the largest workplace giving campaign in the world.

Ambassador Kirk addresses EOP employees at the CFC kickoff event

Ambassador Kirk spoke to attendees about the importance of giving, and he outlined a vision to increase participation across the spectrum of hardworking EOP staff. “The size of the gift doesn’t matter,” he said. “Give until it feels good.”

He also talked about the power of the individual in bringing about change, pointing out that many charitable organizations were founded by strong and compassionate individuals who saw needs in their communities, and then took action to meet those needs.

After the opening remarks, Kim Muñoz from the Quality of Life Foundation and Rebecca Milner of the International Medical Corps shared information about the work of their charitable organizations. The Quality of Life Foundation provides support for wounded veterans and their families. The International Medical Corps provides humanitarian assistance, medical care, and training to areas affected by disaster and conflict.

For more information on the CFC and workplace giving, please see here.

Last Friday, United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk traveled to Miami to discuss how President Obama’s trade and economic agenda is supporting more jobs for people in Florida and across the country. In the morning, he participated in a White House Business Council meeting with local business leaders at Miami Dade College. The discussions focused on a variety of topics that impact businesses in Florida, including passage and entry into force of the new trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama, as well as the importance of infrastructure.

Later in the morning, Ambassador Kirk spoke to and took questions from members of the Beacon Council – a Miami-based non-profit that helps to attract and keep businesses in the Miami area. The conversation focused on President Obama’s plan to grow American jobs and strengthen the middle class through increased exports of ‘Made in America’ products. Ambassador Kirk highlighted the key trade policy accomplishments of the Obama Administration, and the positive impact they’ve had on employment rates and growth of exports for the Miami region.

“In terms of trade, we are opening up markets abroad so that leaders like you can expand your businesses internationally,” Ambassador Kirk said in his remarks. “Goods exports from the greater Miami region were up more than 20 percent last year to $43.1 billion overall. That total includes, for example, $10.2 billion worth of computers and electronic products, $5.8 billion worth of transportation equipment, and $3.8 billion worth of machinery,” he said.

“More importantly, those dollar amounts support real paychecks for tens of thousands of Floridians working in export industries. And we are working to help you do even better,” said Ambassador Kirk.

After his speech at the Beacon Council, Ambassador Kirk participated in a roundtable meeting with The Council of the Americas, where the group discussed enforcement issues, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), and the addition of new TPP member countries Mexico and Canada. They also talked about the economic relationship between the U.S. and Brazil.

Ambassador Kirk’s visit to Miami highlights the Obama Administration’s commitment to ensuring that ’Made in America’ remain the most powerful brand in the world, and that the United States remains the best place in the world to innovate, invest, build a business or get a job.

Ambassador Kirk and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson hosted a meeting of the Trade and Environment Policy Advisory Committee (TEPAC) on September 27th at USTR. TEPAC is comprised of a broad range of representatives from non-governmental organizations, the private sector, think tanks, and academia, and provides policy advice on issues relating to trade and the environment. Ambassador Kirk told the TEPAC about the ongoing Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations, as well as the next steps in the U.S.-European Union (EU) High Level Working Group. Ambassador Kirk also provided updates on recent developments in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, including a read-out of the APEC Leaders’ meeting in Vladivostok, Russia where APEC members agreed on a ground-breaking list of 54 environmental goods on which they will cut tariffs to five percent or less by 2015.

Administrator Jackson, TEPAC Chair Joseph Black, and Ambassador Kirk at this week's TEPAC meeting.

Administrator Jackson gave a report on the EPA’s export promotion initiative, including the creation of a new online web portal (http://export.gov/envirotech/) that will be launched October 1st at the Water Environment Federation’s Annual Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC) with the Department of Commerce. In addition, Administrator Jackson also updated members on work being undertaken in the North American Commission on Environmental Cooperation, and outcomes from the recent CEC Council Meeting hosted by EPA last July. Following their remarks, Ambassador Kirk and Administrator Jackson answered questions from TEPAC members, that touched on a broad range of trade and environment matters.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Association of Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC) held its annual conference in New Orleans, and Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Small Business Christina Sevilla was on hand to highlight some of the early successes of the Obama Administration’s Small Business Network of the Americas (SBNA) initiative. The SBNA seeks to link U.S. Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and the clients they serve to similar small business support centers and networks in partner countries through online trade platforms and business competitions.

Taking a key step forward, representatives from the ASBDC, the University of Texas San Antonio Institute for Economic Development, and Brazil's Micro and Small Enterprise Service (SEBRAE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to link their trade platforms and clients on a central website (www.SBDCglobal.com). This platform is expanding to include international SBDCs in Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and the Caribbean, and will help small businesses take better advantage of trade agreements between the United States and countries in the region.

Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Christina Sevilla speaks to the U.S.
Association of Small Business Development Centers International Interests section

Precision 2000, a small general contracting and construction management business based in Atlanta, Georgia, is already benefitting from these new developments. Precision 2000’s CEO, Guiomar Obregon, received strategic advice and export counseling from Rick Martin and Antonio Barrios of the Georgia SBDC network at University of Georgia and Kennesaw State University. Obregon and her workforce have used this guidance to actively pursue construction contracts in the Colombian market, and she anticipates that contracts secured for construction services in Colombia will help Precision 2000 support jobs in Georgia.

Mickey Conway, a Colombian-American business development specialist at the Clemson University SBDC at Greenwood, is also looking to use the SBNA to help U.S. small businesses expand to Latin America. He hopes that “the expansion of the SBDC network to Latin America can create new business contacts for South Carolina companies.” Conway is organizing a visit to Colombia, the United States’ newest trade agreement partner, by a delegation of South Carolina and Arkansas SBDC counselors and small businesses owners, who hope to explore and pursue trade opportunities there.

Yesterday, eleven stakeholder witnesses spoke before the Trade Policy Staff Committee (TPSC) to give testimony on Canada’s entry into the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement. The TPP is a multilateral trade agreement that will boost U.S. exports to the growing economies of the Asia-Pacific region. As preparations begin for Canada’s entry, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and its interagency partners are soliciting public comments to help inform negotiating work and strengthen U.S. proposals.

Stakeholders testify at yesterday's hearing.

Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific Barbara Weisel opened the hearing with a prepared statement in which she explained how Canada’s entry into the TPP could offer a promising platform for regional economic integration. Following the statement, stakeholders representing agriculture, pharmaceutical, intellectual property, automaker, and homebuilder industry associations, along with business, non-governmental organizations, and organized labor, testified before the Committee. They raised several topics for discussion including customs, rules of origin, technical barriers to trade, intellectual property, transparency, state-owned enterprises and enforcement.

In a statement, William Roenigk, speaking on behalf of the National Chicken Council and the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council, said that Canada joining the TPP would be a positive opportunity for the poultry industry, “provided that Canada agree – in advance – to put its import protection policies on the negotiating table and if there is an appropriate and successful conclusion to the negotiations.”

Members of the Trade Policy Staff Committee (TPSC), at a hearing chaired by Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Trade Policy and Economics, Doug Bell.

The United States trades more with its northern neighbor than with any other single nation, and as witness Jodi Bond from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce told the TPSC in her testimony, a quarter trillion dollars are spent by Canadians on U.S. exports every year, representing twenty percent of total U.S. exports and supporting 8 million American jobs. However, lowering tariffs, reducing non-tariff barriers to trade, and aligning regulatory measures could strengthen this relationship even further, acting as an “economic shot in the arm,” according to Bond, the Vice President of the Americas at the U.S. Chamber.

At the conclusion of testimony, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Trade Policy and Economics Doug Bell thanked the stakeholders for their efforts and said the information shared would “be of great value” to USTR with respect to TPP negotiating positions.

 
Members of the public listen to testimony at the public hearing yesterday.

The TPP provides the opportunity for the U.S. and Canada to update their trade framework to reflect the technological advancements and regulatory complexities of the twenty-first century, and holds great opportunities for supporting quality jobs in the U.S.

By Kate Villarreal, Press Assistant 

On Friday, the Office of the United States Trade Representative and interagency partners convened a public hearing to receive testimony on Mexico’s inclusion in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

Counselor and Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Trade Policy and Economics Doug Bell presided over the proceedings. He opened the hearing by inviting stakeholders to give testimony to be shared with interagency panel members and TPP negotiators. Barbara Weisel, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, and John Melle, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for the Americas, also participated.

Members of the public hear testimony at the TPP Mexico Hearing

Ten speakers from a range of stakeholder groups gave testimony, addressing issues related to agriculture, intellectual property rights, labor, manufacturing, and other areas. Witnesses included members of the Sweetener Users Association, the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council, the National Chicken Council, Knowledge Ecology International, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, the International Intellectual Property Alliance, Coalition for a Prosperous America, the Association of Global Automakers, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the AFL-CIO.

A representative from the International Intellectual Property Alliance testifies at the TPP Mexico Hearing

Following each testimony, USTR representatives and agency counterparts asked questions to clarify stakeholder concerns. At the hearing’s conclusion, Assistant USTR Bell said comments would be taken back to the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiators.

Representatives from Knowledge Ecology International testify at the TPP Mexico Hearing

Friday’s hearing follows last week’s conclusion of the most recent TPP negotiating round in Leesburg, Virginia. A full transcript of the hearing will be posted on ustr.gov as soon as it’s available.

Yesterday Ambassador Kirk greeted Texas Panhandle Honor Flight veterans and joined them for a wreath laying ceremony at the Navy Memorial. Honor Flights transport veterans to Washington, D.C. each year to visit and reflect at various memorials honoring their service.

Ambassador Kirk welcomed the group to Washington and thanked them for their past service and sacrifice on behalf of President Obama. “As the son of a World War II veteran and as a proud Texan, I am honored to be here to express my appreciation for you and your families and recognize your service,” said Ambassador Kirk.

Ambassador Kirk Addresses Veterans from the Panhandle Honor Flight

The Panhandle Honor Flight veterans are visiting Washington with America Supports You Texas, an Abilene, Texas-based organization which raises funds to sponsor the trips. This year’s Panhandle flight includes veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Afghanistan, as well as active military personnel and volunteer “guardians” who support and assist the vets during the three-day trip. Honor Flights prioritize the most senior veterans – WWII survivors – as well as terminally ill veterans. This marks the second year that Ambassador Kirk has received the visiting Honor Flight group.

Last Thursday, Ambassador Ron Kirk traveled to the Norridgewock, Maine factory of U.S. athletic footwear manufacturer New Balance. Ambassador Kirk, who was joined by the company’s President and CEO Rob DeMartini and Congressman Mike Michaud (ME-2), toured the facility and met with New Balance workers to discuss the footwear industry and the company’s footwear production techniques. After the tour, Ambassador Kirk took questions from workers on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement.

Ambassador Kirk speaks with a New Balance worker in
Norridgewock, ME

"I want to thank the people at New Balance for giving me the opportunity to visit their Norridgewock factory, and for their willingness to engage with USTR as we negotiate the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement,” said Ambassador Kirk.

Ambassador Kirk poses for a photo with Congressman
Mike Michaud (ME-2), Factory Manager Raye Wentworth,
and New Balance CEO Rob DeMartini

New Balance President and CEO Rob DeMartini was pleased that Ambassador Kirk made the trip to Norridgewock. “We are encouraged by the Ambassador’s visit and by his openness to hearing our perspective on this crucial matter of public policy, manufacturing and American jobs,” he commented.

On Wednesday, Ambassador Kirk joined Members of Congress at an event focused on the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The event marked the successful passage of bipartisan legislation to extend the third-country fabric provision of AGOA, which President Obama signed into law last month. The provision, which was due to expire at the end of September, will support sustainable economic growth and development by boosting trade with Africa.

In his remarks, Ambassador Kirk emphasized President Obama’s commitment to a strong and enduring U.S.-Africa partnership for the 21st century.

“AGOA is an integral part of our broad vision for strong partnership between the United States and Africa,” said Ambassador Kirk. “That is why the Obama Administration looks forward to working with Congress to extend AGOA beyond 2015, in order to provide the certainty businesses need to grow trade and create jobs.”

Ambassador Kirk also described how the Presidential Policy Directive (PPD) for sub-Saharan Africa issued this past June provides a blueprint for advancing cooperation and trade between the United States and Africa even further.

Along with Ambassador Kirk, Lesotho Ambassador Molapi Sebatane, U.S. Senator Chris Coons, U.S. Senator Mark Begich, and U.S. Representatives Jim McDermott, Charles Rangel, Ed Royce and Karen Bass all spoke at the event. The program was sponsored by both the AGOA Action Coalition and the Africa Society and was moderated by Rosa Whitaker, the former Assistant United States Trade Representative for African Affairs.

Today, Ambassador Kirk traveled to Seat Pleasant, Maryland to commemorate the lives of those lost on September 11th, 2001 by participating in a local community service project at the Eastern Avenue Apartments. The apartment complex, run by the Volunteers of America Chesapeake, provides housing for families and adults who are on their way to self-sufficiency.

At 8:46 a.m. Eastern Time, Ambassador Kirk led volunteers in a moment of silence to mark the moment that the first plane hit the World Trade Center in New York City eleven years ago. Following remarks by Ambassador Kirk and representatives of sponsoring organizations, the group undertook projects to beautify the apartments and surrounding community, including landscaping, planting flowers, and applying fresh coats of paint.

This 9/11 Day of Service project was organized by MyGoodDeed and The Mission Continues, a local not-for-profit organization that mobilizes military veterans to continue leadership efforts in their communities. MyGoodDeed also helped secure the formal designation of September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. The event was sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).

Ambassador Kirk participates in a service project at the Eastern Avenue Apartments.

CNCS Chief Executive Officer Wendy Spencer (left), Ambassador Kirk, and representatives from MyGoodDeed,

The Mission Continues, and Volunteers of America Chesapeake

by Mawish Raza, Intern for Public and Media Affairs

United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk spoke at a White House briefing yesterday for the National Farmers Union. Farmers from across the nation joined as senior administration officials discussed how federal agencies are incorporating agriculture into policy creation.

During his speech, Ambassador Kirk discussed the importance of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative in working closely with other agencies to maximize the full liberalization of trade negotiations. He highlighted the benefits that have resulted from trade agreements with Korea and Colombia that took effect earlier this year, including a significant increase in agricultural exports. Ambassador Kirk also mentioned the significance of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) for agricultural trade. As the 14th round of TPP negotiations continue this week in Leesburg, Virginia, he spoke of the positive impact that would result from this growing partnership with the Asia-Pacific region.

Felicia Escobar, Senior Policy Director of the Domestic Policy Council for Immigration, Rohan Patel, Associate Director for Public Engagement for the Council on Environmental Quality, Dan Utech, Deputy Director for the Office of Energy and Climate Change, Rob Johansson, Deputy Chief Economist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Doug McKalip, Senior Policy Advisor for the Domestic Policy Council, were also among those scheduled to present at the event.

Ambassador Kirk speaks to the farmers union at a White House Briefing.

By Isaac Faz, Acting Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement

On Sunday, September 9th, USTR hosted stakeholder engagement events at the 14th Round of the Trans-Pacific Partnership in Leesburg, Virginia. Negotiators from all nine TPP countries took a break from negotiations in order to speak to and hear from the public about a wide range of issues in the agreement. Over 450 stakeholders registered to attend the engagement event – a 49% increase from registration for similar events at the 13th Round in San Diego, California in July. From 11 am – 2 pm, stakeholders were able to speak directly with delegates from all TPP countries and deliver presentations on a topic of interest.

The registered stakeholders represented more than 200 organizations; more than 90 organizations registered for a table to display reports, blogs, studies and promotional materials at the "direct engagement" event. The Leesburg round of direct engagement participants increased by 75% from San Diego and included first-time attendees Third Way, Precision Tune Auto Care and the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce . This event also included past participants such as the Sierra Club, Public Citizen, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Public Knowledge, and Google, among many others.

Stakeholders were also able to supplement their direct one-on-one table engagement through lecture-style presentations. The presentations allow stakeholders to choose a topic of interest and present to interested TPP delegates. This portion of the stakeholder event saw an 81% jump in participation from San Diego, and all who registered for presentations were accommodated. The interest was high and space was limited, but the presenters definitely had full audiences in each of the four rooms allocated for presentations. USTR was pleased to be able to expand the allotted presentation times slightly in light of cancellations by a few of the many registered presenters.

To conclude the day, TPP Chief negotiators (excepting Brunei, whose chief was still en route to the talks) led a ninety minute stakeholder briefing and participated in a question and answer session. Over 150 stakeholders attended the briefing and asked questions on topics ranging from intellectual property issues, investor-state disputes, labor and the environment. The Trans-Pacific Partnership round in Leesburg will end on September 15th.

As the 14th Round of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations kicks off in Leesburg, VA, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is welcoming stakeholders to participate by engaging with negotiators, sharing their views and asking questions. Trade agreements like the TPP help small- and medium-sized businesses – like Fulton Bank, which will have a representative at the Stakeholder Engagement event this Sunday – support more jobs at home by opening up new markets for exporters and lowering tariff and non-tariff trade barriers. Many small- and medium-sized American businesses are in the services industry, and one of the most important goals of the TPP is to increase opportunities for those businesses.

Fulton Bank, a full-service commercial bank operating in Virginia, Delaware and Pennsylvania, stands to benefit from the TPP. Currently, service providers like Fulton Bank face many challenges in the global marketplace including local establishment requirements (laws that require banks to have a physical presence in a country to transact business) and significant restrictions on investment. In an increasingly competitive global environment, businesses like Fulton Bank want full and free access to the global marketplace to increase their sales and create more jobs here at home. Frederico Manno, a Vice President at Fulton Bank, shared his thoughts on the TPP and the benefits it would have for the commercial banking industry:

“I believe the eventual passing of this Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement will lower or reduce considerably tariffs and duties and, therefore, it will only help trade among [participating] countries. Consequently, it will just increase the flow of banking business around the world to include international wire payments, foreign exchange transactions, letter of credit instruments and financing to support the export-import trade business that is necessary for the well-being of our global societies. Fulton Bank and other commercial banks will benefit from this path.”

As the TPP negotiations advance, USTR will continue reaching out to stakeholders across the country, seeking their input to craft a 21st century trade agreement that will help U.S. businesses stay globally competitive and support jobs for more Americans.

The 14th round of TPP negotiations began on September 6.

The renewal of the third-country fabric (TCF) provision of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) – passed by Congress last week – is welcome news for apparel workers in Africa and will contribute to a strong foreign policy foundation in the Sub-Saharan Africa region.

In many Sub-Saharan African countries, manufacturers use fabric from international sources to produce apparel because the regional fabric supply is limited. These same apparel manufacturers then export their finished products to the United States. Normally, these products would be subject to U.S. import duties, but the TCF provision lifts those duties and helps to support jobs and the manufacturing industry in certain lesser-developed Sub-Saharan African countries. The benefits of the TCF provision also extend to American apparel retailers; it helps them reduce their costs, diversify their supply chains, and create more apparel options for American consumers. The TCF provision was scheduled to expire in September of this year, but on August 2nd, Congress acted to renew it, safeguarding thousands of jobs for textile workers throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.

U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk visiting the Lucky 1888 Mills in Tema, Ghana.

In addition to supporting jobs, the renewal of the TCF provision will help the U.S. achieve many of its regional foreign policy objectives. President Obama’s new “U.S. Strategy for Sub-Saharan Africa” describes “sustainable, inclusive economic growth” as a “key ingredient to security, political stability, and development” in the region. The TCF provision, which helps to support stable employment for textile workers, many of whom are women, is making a strong contribution toward that goal.

U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk recently traveled to Ghana to highlight the Obama Administration’s new Sub-Saharan African Strategy, and to demonstrate the benefits of the TCF provision. In the course of his visit, Ambassador Kirk toured the Lucky 1888 Mills in Tema, Ghana, and met with workers. Lucky 1888 Mills, which uses the TCF provision to export to the United States, employs approximately 500 women in quality jobs with competitive wages.

Ambassador Kirk speaks at the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.

On Wednesday, United State Trade Representative Ron Kirk spoke at the Trade and Development Interagency Intern Panel hosted by the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). The event brought together interns from across the federal government to learn more about the federal government’s trade and development related agencies, and the ways they work to increase economic growth and support U.S. jobs.

Ambassador Kirk was the keynote speaker; he discussed his role as the U.S. Trade Representative and key events and trends in U.S. trade policy since early 2009. The Obama Administration has made it a priority to listen to Americans, to hear their concerns and suggestions about trade. From this, Ambassador Kirk said the U.S. was able to take actions like improving and advancing initiatives like the U.S- Korea Free Trade Agreement – which won the support of American autoworkers as well as the business community when Congress approved it last year. He also talked about trade and American jobs, and he encouraged the audience of interns to learn not only one language but two, three, or even more. He said good judgment, the ability to solve problems, and the confidence to get things done are key element to a successful career.

Jon Carson, Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, and Sharon Bomer-Lauritsen, the Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Agricultural Affairs and Commodity Policy, also spoke at the event.

Ambassador Kirk takes a question from a member of the audience.

Last Monday, Russia notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) that it had accepted its terms of accession and is prepared to become the organization’s 157th member on August 22, 2012. As the United States welcomes Russia’s Membership in the WTO, the Obama Administration is working closely with Congress to ensure that the WTO Agreement will apply between the United States and Russia. When the WTO Agreement is in full effect between the United States and Russia, U.S. exporters will be able to access all of the job-supporting benefits that come with Russia joining the rules-based global trading system.

A significant benefit of Russia’s WTO Membership is improved market access for U.S. goods exports to Russia. Until now, Russia had no tariff bindings, meaning it could increase its tariffs without limit and without notice. Over the past few years, Russia has occasionally raised tariffs on a number of U.S. exports, such as combine harvesters, steel pipes and rolled products, rice, and processed cheese, just to name a few. As a WTO Member, Russia has not only reduced many tariff rates, it has established limits on the tariff level it can apply to all products, providing certainty and predictability to U.S. exporters.

These commitments will bring significant benefits to American farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers. For example, soybeans are the largest source of farm cash receipts in Ohio. Under the WTO Agreement, Russia has committed to cut soybean tariffs to zero, which could create significant opportunities for soybean farmers in the Buckeye State. Importantly, the WTO Agreement also provides the United States with the enforcement tools necessary to ensure Russia fulfills its WTO commitments.

Similarly, Russia has committed to provide greater and more predictable access to its services market. In sectors such as audio-visual, telecommunications, and financial services, Russia is allowing foreign companies to operate as 100 percent foreign-owned enterprises. These provisions will give U.S. service providers additional certainty and security to help them expand their businesses in Russia’s large and growing market.

As part of its WTO accession terms, Russia has also committed to provide stronger protection for U.S. intellectual property rights. Russia’s enhanced IPR commitments will support well-paying jobs in America’s innovative and creative industries.

Without the WTO Agreement in place, many of these job-supporting benefits would be unavailable to U.S. exporters, manufacturers, creators, and workers. At the same time, competitors from other WTO Member countries will soon begin to enjoy these benefits, which creates the potential for our exporters to be put at a disadvantage. That is why the Administration is working closely with Congress to secure legislation terminating the application to Russia of the Jackson-Vanik amendment, which currently precludes permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) with Russia. When adopted, legislation authorizing PNTR with Russia will provide American businesses, workers, and families an equal opportunity to access the full benefits of Russia’s WTO Membership.

Last Week, United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk attended an Export Promotion Cabinet and Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee (TPCC) Principals Meeting at the U.S. Department of Commerce. The meeting provided an opportunity for Cabinet officials to discuss opportunities and options for increasing exports and the Obama Administration’s overall trade agenda.

A major topic of discussion at the meeting was the Administration’s new strategy toward Sub-Saharan Africa, which is part of the President’s Presidential Policy Directive (PPD) released on June 14 during the African Growth and Opportunity Act Forum in DC. President Obama announced this new strategy of engagement with the region, stating that, “it is in the interest of the United States to improve the region’s trade competitiveness, encourage the diversification of exports beyond natural resources, and ensure that the benefits from growth are broad-based.” The strategy sets forth four strategic objectives: (1) strengthen democratic institutions; (2) spur economic growth, trade and investment; (3) advance peace and security; and (4) promote opportunity and development.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative is playing an integral role in implementing President Obama’s new plan. One of the most important aspects of this strategy is to increase bilateral trade and investment by facilitating the interaction between America’s private sector and Africa. Many small- and medium-sized businesses are unaware of the vast opportunities in Africa. Some of the steps taken by the Administration to render these opportunities more accessible include focusing on improving infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa to decrease transportation costs; increasing economic governance and transparency to lessen dependence on aid; and establishing institutional reforms to create an enabling trade environment. To further home in on this point, the theme of this year’s AGOA forum was “Enhancing Africa’s Infrastructure for trade.”

Washington, D.C. – Senior U.S. and Chinese trade officials provided updates on recent developments in U.S.-China trade and investment relations at today’s U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) mid-year review meeting in Washington.

Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Francisco Sánchez and Deputy United States Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis co-chaired the meeting with Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Wang Chao. Ambassador Islam Siddiqui, Chief Agricultural Negotiator, USTR, and Janet Nuzum, Associate Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA, also participated in the meeting.

The two governments reviewed implementation of commitments made at the 2011 JCCT and began preparations for the 2012 JCCT meeting, which is to be held in the United States later this year.

Ambassador Marantis said, “We leverage the JCCT process to resolve trade and investment policy challenges, and the Mid-Year Review is a key opportunity to develop momentum for this year’s JCCT plenary and ensure that China fully implements last year’s commitments.”

“The U.S.-China trade relationship remains one of the most important in the world, but the relationship must be fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial,” Sánchez said. “We will continue to push China to take concrete steps that open its markets to and level the playing field for U.S. goods and services, to ensure that these principles guide our bilateral trade ties.”

China is a critical destination for U.S. manufactured goods and services, as America’s third largest export market, following neighboring Canada and Mexico. Between 2009 and 2011, U.S. goods exports to China grew by nearly 50 percent.

The JCCT, established in 1983, is the main forum for addressing bilateral trade concerns and promoting commercial opportunities between the United States and China.

Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis visited the Bay Area on July 23 and 24 to discuss and solicit input on various Obama Administration trade initiatives in the Asia-Pacific, especially ongoing Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations.

Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis, DAUSTR for Intellectual
Property Probir Mehta, and AUSTR for Public Engagement Christine Turner visit
Google's headquarters in Mountain View, CA.

During that time, Ambassador Marantis met with key San Francisco and Silicon Valley based companies -- including Twitter, Google, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Square -- where he discussed the importance of promoting innovation in the TPP, and highlighted USTR's new proposal on copyright exceptions such as fair use in the intellectual property chapter of TPP, e-commerce provisions, and other issues. Ambassador Marantis also discussed challenges in Asia-Pacific trade with the biopharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences and electric vehicle designer and manufacturer Tesla Motors.

Ambassador Marantis visits the Tesla Motors manufacturing facility in Fremont, CA.

While in San Francisco, Ambassador Marantis also joined Department of Commerce Under Secretary for International Trade Francisco Sánchez for a working lunch event organized by the Bay Area Council. There the two officials briefed local business leaders on recent developments in U.S. trade policy, including negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), and U.S. trade and investment relations with China and India.

Yesterday, Ambassador Kirk visited with the U.S.-Russia Business Council to discuss the Obama Administration’s commitment to securing permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) with Russia as soon as possible. The meeting took place just a day after Russia notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) that it has accepted its terms of accession to the WTO; Russia will become the 156th Member of the WTO on August 22, 2012.

In opening remarks, Ambassador Kirk stressed the importance of terminating application of the Jackson-Vanik amendment and extending PNTR to Russia.

After his remarks, Ambassador Kirk engaged in direct dialogue with U.S.-Russia Business Council members about PNTR for Russia and related issues.

Ambassador Kirk discusses Russia PNTR with U.S.-Russia Business Council Chairman Ed Verona at a
meeting with U.S.-Russia Business Council members.

At USTR, we pride ourselves on our commitment to public engagement. We try to solicit input from every end of the opinion spectrum when we craft new trade policies, because we know that successful trade agreements depend on buy-in from concerned stakeholders. We apply that same commitment to our efforts to negotiate the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement, an ambitious, next-generation, Asia-Pacific trade agreement that reflects U.S. priorities and values and seeks to create jobs here at home.

Today, we posted two announcements in the Federal Register. These two notices request input from the public, stakeholder groups, and members of Congress on how we should update our TPP negotiating priorities in light of the inclusion of Canada and Mexico in the list of TPP member countries. Instructions for participation online, or in person, are included in the documents posted below. The next negotiating round of the TPP will take place in Leesburg, Virginia from September 6-15, 2012. For more information on TPP engagement, please visit www.ustr.gov/tpp.

Request for Comments on Negotiating Objectives With Respect to Canada's Participation in the Proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership Trade Agreement

Request for Comments on Negotiating Objectives With Respect to Mexico's Participation in the Proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership Trade Agreement

On Friday, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk traveled to Pittsburgh, PA to meet with local labor and business leaders and discuss opportunities to support more American jobs through exports. This was his fourth visit to Pittsburgh as U.S. Trade Representative.

He kicked off his visit with a roundtable discussion hosted by the National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC). The event, entitled “Winning in the Global Economy,” focused on the role of international trade and investment in the success of America’s economy. Ambassador Kirk highlighted the Obama Administration’s continuing efforts to create new export opportunities for American businesses and workers. Ambassador Kirk and NFTC members discussed recently implemented trade agreements with Korea and Colombia, and the pending implementation of the Panama trade agreement. They also discussed forward-leaning trade initiatives including the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations, an ambitious agreement created to enhance trade and investment among the TPP member countries, and new World Trade Organization initiatives such as the International Technology Agreement.

Ambassador Kirk at the National Foreign Trade Council Luncheon

Following his event with NFTC, Ambassador Kirk toured economic development projects surrounding Pittsburgh International Airport. He was joined on the tour by Export-Import Bank Vice Chair Wanda Felton, United Steelworkers President Leo Gerard, Allegheny County Executive Richard Fitzgerald, and Executive Director and CEO of the Allegheny County Airport Authority Brad Penrod. The area surrounding the airport has office buildings, research and development space, a hotel, and jet hangars. Airport and local government authorities are hoping to turn a 195-acre tract of land into a major new economic development site. The area is already part of a foreign trade zone, which allows companies to import goods, create products, and resell them outside of the United States without having to pay import fees. To advance trade goals, Allegheny County and the airport authority also plan to designate the complex as a licensed World Trade Center. The World Trade Center designation is expected to benefit Pittsburgh’s economy by facilitating international business, trade, and investment.

Ambassador Kirk Tours the Airport Park with (from left):
Allegheny County ExecutiveRichard Fitzgerald, Export-Import Bank
Vice Chair Wanda Felton, and United Steelworkers President Leo Gerard

After the tour, Ambassador Kirk and the delegation met with other local business and civic leaders to discuss plans for the development of the airport, market-opening measures, exports, the Obama Administration’s efforts to increase trade enforcement, and Pittsburgh’s economic transformation.

On Friday, July 20, 2012, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Miriam Sapiro gave remarks at PortMiami in Miami, Florida to highlight the implementation of the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement and to celebrate Colombian Independence Day. Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz and Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez also spoke at the event. During the event, both the Mayor and the Commissioner honored Ambassador Sapiro and the Office of the United States Trade Representative by presenting her with the key to Miami-Dade County.

After the formal program, Jose Perez-Jones, Senior Vice President of Seaboard Marine – the largest ocean transportation company operating out of the Port of Miami – guided the group to view the unloading and reloading of a ship called the M/V Vega Scorpio Voyage # 1, which is carrying U.S. goods destined for Colombia. Some of the commodities being shipped to Colombia include: department store merchandise, auto parts, cotton, yarn, locomotive parts, machinery and equipment for mining, float glass, foodstuffs, trucks, vehicles, orange juice concentrate, frozen foodstuffs, deli foodstuffs, confectionary products, and fresh fruits.

After the event at PortMiami, Ambassador Sapiro spoke about the Obama Administration’s trade agenda at a round table hosted by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. Her remarks focused on the Trans-Pacific Partnership, Russia’s accession to the WTO, and the Panama Trade Promotion Agreement.

Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Miriam Sapiro tours the Port of
Miami in front of the M/V Vega Scorpio Voyage #1, which
carries U.S goods destined for Colombia, including auto parts,
cotton, and fresh fruits.

Ambassador Demetrios Marantis gives remarks before the Washington
Council on International Trade

Following yesterday's speech before the Washington Council on International Trade, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis met with key stakeholders today, including union leaders and representatives of NGOs, to hear their views and address their concerns, particularly regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

Ambassador Marantis hears concerns from stakeholders during a roundtable meeting at the
Labor Temple in Seattle, WA.

In a roundtable meeting hosted by the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace, Ambassador Marantis met with Washington State Senator Maralyn Chase and representatives from the Sierra Club, United Steelworkers, Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers, Witness for Peace, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, the AFL-CIO, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and the Washington Fair Trade Coalition, among others, to discuss issues of concern related to trade policy and the TPP agreement. This meeting again highlighted USTR's ongoing engagement with a broad range of stakeholders with diverse points of view. Ambassador Marantis pledged to continue the discussion, offering stakeholders the opportunity for in-depth briefings with subject matter experts from USTR's negotiating team.

Ambassador Marantis and Senator Maria Cantwell visit the FC Bloxom produce export
facility south of downtown Seattle, WA.

Ambassador Marantis also met with officials from the Gates Foundation and traveled to Everett, Washington to view the Boeing 787 production line and to meet with Boeing officials. Finally, Ambassador Marantis met with Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) to highlight the benefits of the U.S.-Korea Trade Agreement experienced by Washington State thus far. Since the agreement's implementation on March 15 of this year, Washington State growers have reported significant increases in exports of produce to South Korea. Producers of cherries in Washington State, in particular, have reported a doubling of cherry exports to South Korea compared to the same period last year.

Ambassador Marantis at Boeing in Everett, WA after viewing the 787 production line.

By Ambassador Ron Kirk

As the nineteenth International AIDS Conference kicks off in Washington, DC, experts and activists from around the world are bringing together their best ideas to fight this disease. As part of this conversation, some are taking a careful look at trade policy issues and so is the Obama Administration.

Stakeholders on all sides of this issue recognize the need to balance trade’s long-standing role in the promotion of pharmaceutical innovation through intellectual property rights with the imperative to ensure access to life-saving medicines for people around the world.

The Obama Administration is committed to developing policies that do both. We believe that we can increase access to medicines and support innovation for the development of new and improved drugs for HIV/AIDS and other diseases. And with input from the public, global health and development experts, innovative and generic drug companies, and Federal agencies that serve these sectors, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is working in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) – a major Asia-Pacific trade agreement now under negotiation – to get this balance right.

We all know that innovation is essential to create new tools in the fight for global health, and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria, FDA, NIH and U.S. generic and innovator companies with voluntary licensing programs are demonstrating that innovation and access can thrive together with the right policies.

We have never wavered in our support for the Doha Declaration on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) and Public Health, including affirming that the TRIPS Agreement can and should be interpreted and implemented in a manner supportive of WTO members' right to protect public health.

We have underscored this priority in the TPP, and stated clearly that the “TPP countries have agreed to reflect in the text a shared commitment to the Doha Declaration on TRIPS and Public Health.”

Furthermore, in the TPP we are seeking to expand U.S. exports of both innovative and generic drugs in a way that drives access to medicines in the developing world while promoting innovation.

It is a difficult balance to strike. We have heard a great deal of feedback on our early proposals -- including on the treatment of lesser-developed countries, such as Vietnam -- and are carefully reflecting upon that feedback.

We want to get the balance right and to work with the public and with our trading partners to get there. This process will take some time and, as we work over the course of the next several months, we will be very interested in additional input.

Trade alone can’t provide access to medicines. So these trade policies we are refining will go hand in hand with other approaches by the Obama Administration to encourage pharmaceutical innovation and promote access to medicines. Here are some great examples of what’s going on across the government in this regard:

• Anti-retroviral drugs purchased by PEPFARare now over 98 percent generic and the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria, to which the U.S. is the largest donor, also procures a high percentage of effective and low cost generic medicines to treat HIV/AIDS.

• Innovative approaches by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to provide tentative approval for generic drugs have contributed to PEPFAR’s success. This has led to nearly 150 antiretrovirals being made available, at lower cost; as a result, the U.S. will directly support life-saving antiretroviral treatment for 6 million men, women and children worldwide by the end of 2013.

• The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) and co-patent owner the University of Illinois at Chicago were the first patent holders ever to share their intellectual property with the Medicines Patent Pool Foundation. President Obama leveraged our contribution and last year along with the other G-8 Leaders called on all rights holders – public and private – to consider entering into license agreements with the Foundation. USTR supported that call by citing this kind of patent-sharing practice in its 2012 “Special 301” Report.

• The NIH successfully licensed a technology developed by the FDA to the international non-profit PATH to develop MenAfriVac, a lifesaving meningitis vaccine for sub-Saharan Africa. The Serum Institute of India Limited now produces that vaccine at low cost. Over 20 million people have been vaccinated in Africa’s meningitis belt at below USD $0.50 because of this effort. To replicate this success and expedite technology transfer to not-for-profit institutions with a demonstrated commitment to global health, the NIH developed a model licensing agreement which was subsequently adopted by the G8.

• The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) launched Patents for Humanity to reward companies that use patented technologies for humanitarian endeavors. Winning participants will receive vouchers for accelerated processing for select matters in front of the PTO.

With a full complement of efforts, the Obama Administration intends to ensure that access to medicines is as robust as in prior administrations, and to ensure that important programs like PEPFAR remain effective. We’ll continue to work with you to deliver on that promise.

This week, Ambassador Kirk received the Distinguished Service Award at the Washington International Trade Association and Foundation (WITA/WITF) annual awards dinner.

Congressman Kevin Brady presented the award to Ambassador Kirk noting that the Ambassador “consulted relentlessly with Members of Congress of every stripe” as the Administration worked to secure bipartisan support for trade agreements with Korea, Colombia, and Panama.

Congressman Kevin Brady presented Ambassador Kirk with the WITA/WITF Distinguished Service Award

Ambassador Kirk accepted the award on behalf of all USTR employees, and in observance of USTR’s 50th anniversary this year. He spoke particularly about the privilege of working with the staff of USTR. These smart, passionate, and dedicated professionals have upheld a strong tradition of public service for the last five decades, and the work of USTR – opening markets, leveling the playing field, and keeping America competitive – is enormously relevant for hard-working families across the United States. That’s why trade and exports remain a vital part of President Obama’s blueprint to build an economy that lasts with better jobs for more Americans.

Ambassador Kirk accepts the WITA/WITF Distinguished Service Award on behalf of all USTR employees

Ambassador Kirk also thanked and congratulated Congressman David Dreier who received WITA/WITF’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his statesmanship and tireless devotion to advancing bipartisan U.S. trade policy.

USTR was created through the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, in which Congress called for President Kennedy to appoint a Special Representative for Trade Negotiations to conduct U.S. trade negotiations. To find out more about USTR’s 50th anniversary this year, please visit www.ustr.gov/50.

Last week, United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk traveled to Accra to promote increased trade between the United States and Ghana. Ambassador Kirk consulted with U.S. businesses in the area, met with Ghanaian government officials, and visited the USAID West African Trade Competitiveness Hub. Ambassador Kirk also highlighted President Obama’s recently announced Presidential Policy Directive (PPD) for Sub-Saharan Africa. The President’s new strategy puts a special emphasis on increasing trade and investment with sub-Saharan Africa, a region which is home to 6 of the 10 fastest growing markets in the world, including Ghana.

U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk visited the USAID West African Trade
Competitiveness Hub in Accra, Ghana.

The United States and Ghana have maintained a robust and growing trade relationship over the last thirteen years. In 1999, the U.S. and Ghana signed a Trade & Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) which provides a strategic framework and principles for a constructive dialogue on trade and investment issues between the two countries. Ghana has also benefitted from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), enacted in 2000, a Clinton-era bill that helps to stimulate economic growth in the region and assists eligible countries like Ghana in exporting goods to the United States. The increase in trade has led to growth for both economies. Since AGOA was enacted, U.S. exports to Ghana have increased by over 1 billion dollars from 2001 to 2011, and U.S. imports from Ghana have increased by nearly 600 million dollars during that same period.

Increased trade with Ghana has helped many U.S. businesses grow and create jobs. Ambassador Kirk visited one such business, the Cargill Cocoa Processing Facility in the port of Tema, Ghana last week. Cargill, a U.S.-based company, expanded its operations to Ghana in 2007 in order to take advantage of Ghanaian cocoa beans, which some consider to be the finest in the world. Cargill’s expansion to Ghana helped the company to improve its product, created new Ghanaian jobs, and also helped to support the jobs of thousands of Americans employed in the cocoa/chocolate sector, and related sectors such as dairy, nuts, baked goods, and baking products. Cargill’s success shows the promise of the vibrant and growing trade and investment relationship between Ghana and the United States.

For more information on how your small business can benefit from increased trade with West Africa please visit: USAID West Africa Trade Hub.

Ambassador Kirk continued his visit in Ghana today with a visit to Lucky 1888 Textile Mills. Lucky -- located in the free trade zone of Tema just outside of Accra -- is a true U.S-Ghana trade success story. Approximately 500 Ghanaian women have quality jobs at the factory making medical scrubs that are exported to the United States for sale at Walmart stores. Lucky Mills wouldn't exist if it weren't for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The factory specifically benefits from the Third Country Fabric provision of AGOA, which is due to expire in September. Given the importance of the Third Country Fabric Provision to the Employees of Lucky Mills, the people of Ghana, and the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa, Ambassador Kirk looks forward to working closely with Congress to secure the urgent renewal of this provision.

U.S Trade Representative Ron Kirk visits with workers at the Lucky Textile Mills in
Tema, Ghana.

Following Lucky Mills, Ambassador Kirk then toured Cargill's cocoa processing facility in Tema. There are currently about 420 people that are directly or indirectly employed as a result of this investment. During the tour, Ambassador Kirk and the delegation were able to see first-hand how cocoa beans are processed into cocoa powder that is exported to Europe and the United States for use in baking products for companies like General Mills and Kraft.

Lucky Mills and Cargill are proof that AGOA is working to create jobs in Africa, while helping to provide quality exports to the U.S. and world markets.

Ambassador Kirk is in Accra, Ghana this week on his first trip to this West African country as United States Trade Representative. Since Ghana's independence over a half century ago, the United States has enjoyed a strong partnership with Ghana -- which continues to grow stronger to this day. This is why President Obama visited Ghana during his first official trip to Africa as President of the United States three years ago. And now Ambassador Kirk is visiting Ghana to focus attention on the growing trade and investment relationship between the two countries.

He kicked off the day today by visiting Ghana's Ministry of Trade and Industry to meet with Trade Minister Hannah Tetteh. During the meeting they discussed both countries' mutual interest in considering the possibility of a U.S.-Ghana bilateral investment treaty (BIT), which would fit well into Ghana’s strategy of attracting private investment and diversifying its economy. It would also represent a major milestone in our bilateral economic relationship. A BIT with the United States would send a powerful signal to American and other foreign investors that Ghana is committed to adopting and maintaining a favorable investment climate. Ambassador Kirk and Minister Tetteh have had a strong, productive working relationship over the last few years and they expressed their mutual interest in continuing to work together as they explore the possibility of pursuing a U.S.-Ghana BIT.

Ambassador Kirk then met with George Aboagye, Chairman of Ghana's Investment Promotion Centre to discuss options for increasing investment in Ghana. U.S. foreign direct investment (FDI) in Ghana was 974 million dollars in 2006 -- the last year for which data is available. However, Chairman Aboagye mentioned Ghana's eagerness to expand its range of U.S. investment beyond oil exploration to include energy services and non-energy sectors.

U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk and USAID West Africa Trade Hub Director
Vanessa Adams take questions from members of the press at the West Africa Trade
Hub in Accra, Ghana.

Following meetings with Ghanaian government officials, Ambassador Kirk visited USAID's West Africa Trade Hub in Accra. The Trade Hub focuses on economic development and job creation by providing technical assistance and training to export-ready West African companies -- which has helped to significantly increase their competitiveness. Since 2007, the Trade Hub has facilitated over 100 million dollars in exports from the region and trained more than 7,000 people in business skills. Ambassador Kirk met with Trade Hub officials and their West African partners to discuss the Trade Hub's success over the last eight years in breaking down barriers to trade within the region and increasing the skills and competitiveness of many West African companies.

As the 13th Round of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations continues in San Diego, California, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is providing stakeholders with the opportunity to speak with negotiators, ask questions, and share their views. By opening up new markets for exporters and lowering tariffs, trade agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership help small- and medium-sized companies support more jobs at home. FruitPros LLC, a three-person small business headquartered in Chula Vista, California, is a good example of a company that would stand to benefit from the TPP.

FruitPros, like many small businesses, relies on exports for nearly all of its total sales. Carlos Velarde, a representative from FruitPros, explains that large U.S.-based companies like Costco and Walmart generally only purchase fruit in bulk; businesses like FruitPros that deal in smaller quantities usually “export to Mexico and other Latin American countries.” This situation makes companies like FruitPros particularly vulnerable to trade restrictions. When Mexico implemented punitive duties on U.S. products in 2010, FruitPros sales dropped by over 60 percent.

The certainty that the TPP would provide with respect to tariffs, duties, and trade infrastructure would undoubtedly help small businesses like FruitPros compete in the global market. According to Mr. Velarde, “If we [the United States] do not have favorable trade agreements with our key trading partners, the U.S. economy loses out to other countries like Chile, China, or Argentina, who are also big producers of agricultural products.” For Velarde and his team at FruitPros, favorable trade agreements create opportunities to target more customers and create jobs.

In addition, Mr. Velarde believes that more open markets will benefit U.S. producers and consumers. “Successful trade opens up markets for our many producers…Many people don’t realize how many products we are blessed to produce. Our nation is vast with technology and natural resources…Opening up markets enables our consumers to purchase products at lower costs and it also allows our producers to target other consumers for their products.”

 
FruitPros ships fine fruit to clients around the world

Stakeholders like FruitPros LLC play an essential role in shaping trade policy, and a good opportunity for those stakeholders to interact with negotiators is at TPP Stakeholder Engagement Events, where delegates from each participating nation spend time with members of the public to talk about progress and goals. In San Diego, nearly three hundred stakeholders registered to discuss trade policy and the TPP with representatives from each country. In fact, 85 percent of stakeholders surveyed said that they were able to communicate their message to negotiators whose work is relevant to their interest.

USTR’s engagement efforts aren’t limited to stakeholder events at negotiating rounds. USTR has worked for years to involve stakeholders, visiting 35 states over the course of the TPP negotiations to meet with citizens, business leaders, and employees. In addition, trade officials have participated in hundreds of town-hall meetings to get input and perspective from a wide variety of stakeholders.

As part of the Obama Administration’s comprehensive and balanced approach to trade, USTR will continue to seek input from a wide range of sources including citizens, NGO representatives, business owners, government officials, and any other interested parties in the process of trade negotiations.

The 13th round of TPP Negotiations is being held in San Diego, California, from July 2nd to July 10th.

The copyright system is an engine of free expression and a major building block in the world economy. It plays a critical role in promoting and disseminating American works of authorship, and the balance of rights and exceptions and limitations achieved in U.S. law provides diverse benefits for large and small businesses, consumers, authors, artists, and workers in the information, entertainment, and technology sectors.

A robust copyright framework ensures that authors and creators are respected, investments (both intellectual and financial) are promoted, that limitations and exceptions provide an appropriate balance, and that enforcement measures are effective.

An important part of the copyright ecosystem is the limitations or exceptions placed on the exercise of exclusive rights in certain circumstances. In the United States, for example, consumers and businesses rely on a range of exceptions and limitations, such as fair use, in their businesses and daily lives. Further, under the U.S. Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), the United States provides safe harbors limiting copyright liability, which help to ensure that legitimate providers of cloud computing, user-generated content sites, and a host of other Internet-related services who act responsibly can thrive online.

TPP -- Copyright Exceptions and Limitations

For the first time in any U.S. trade agreement, the United States is proposing a new provision, consistent with the internationally-recognized “3-step test," that will obligate Parties to seek to achieve an appropriate balance in their copyright systems in providing copyright exceptions and limitations for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. These principles are critical aspects of the U.S. copyright system, and appear in both our law and jurisprudence. The balance sought by the U.S. TPP proposal recognizes and promotes respect for the important interests of individuals, businesses, and institutions who rely on appropriate exceptions and limitations in the TPP region.

The United States is proposing this at the current round of TPP talks in San Diego.  The proposal has benefited from the input of a wide range of stakeholders, and we look forward to discussing it further and sharing more information as the TPP negotiations progress.

The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement was created to enhance trade and investment among the TPP partner countries. These countries include the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, Chile and Peru. Both Mexico and Canada have also been invited to join the TPP but will not be participating in this week’s negotiations.

Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Congressional Affairs Mac Campbell
talks with stakeholders at the TPP negotiations in Dallas in May. 

This week, trade policy makers and stakeholders from nine Asia-Pacific nations will be gathering in San Diego, California to participate in the 13th Round of the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations. TPP negotiators are seeking creative and balanced approaches to 21st century trade and investment issues that greatly affect California, the second largest state exporter in the United States.

U.S. negotiators will be discussing how to enhance trade and investment opportunities in some of California’s leading goods exports. These include innovative computer and electronic products, transportation equipment, machinery, and chemicals, for example. In addition, TPP negotiators are seeking to enhance trade in services, which employ 3 out of every 4 California workers on average.

Companies like Casa Herrera, a family-run food production manufacturing company in Southern California, see the negotiations as creating opportunities that allow them to add more jobs. Casa Herrera was founded by Frank Herrera in 1951 and now employs 130 employees, including 11 members of the Herrera family. The company is known for selling food manufacturing machinery that can produce more than 92,000 tortillas per hour.

Jonathan Lacour, Casa Herrera’s Vice President for Legal Affairs, believes the success of the TPP will benefit the company. He says discussions to increase and modernize food production among TPP countries could provide more employment opportunities within the company. “A ten percent increase in sales would mean an additional 50 or so jobs,” he said.

Overall, the TPP represents a significant opportunity for California exporters to build on their already strong ties to the Asia-Pacific region. In 2011, the state exported $66.1 billion worth of goods to the Asia-Pacific region, and current negotiations will strengthen ties to this region – a region that represents 40 percent of total global trade. And with Mexico and Canada set to join TPP negotiations following Congress’ 90-day consultation period, the TPP also offers California an opportunity to further develop its trade relations with its top two export markets. In 2011, California exported $26 billion to Mexico and $17.2 billion to Canada.

United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk issued the following statement in response to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Appellate Body’s ruling today in the country of origin labeling (COOL) dispute between the United States and Canada and Mexico:

“We are pleased with today’s ruling, which affirmed the United States’ right to adopt labeling requirements that provide information to American consumers about the meat they buy,” said Ambassador Kirk. “The Appellate Body’s ruling confirms that families can still receive information on the origin of their meat and other food products when they shop for groceries. The Obama Administration remains committed to ensuring that information on the origin of all food products covered by COOL is available to American families so they can make informed purchasing decisions.

“We are also pleased that the Appellate Body overturned the initial finding that COOL is more trade restrictive than necessary to provide consumers with valuable information on the food they buy,” Ambassador Kirk added. “In doing so, the Appellate Body agreed with the United States and declined to accept any of the alternatives that Canada and Mexico claimed we should have used instead.”

While overturning some of the Panel’s key findings against the United States, however, the Appellate Body continued to find fault with certain aspects of COOL’s design. Due to COOL’s recordkeeping and verification requirements, it upheld the Panel’s finding that COOL provides less favorable treatment to Canadian and Mexican cattle and hogs than American livestock.

Canada and Mexico initiated this dispute against the United States in December 2008. Among other claims, Canada and Mexico alleged that the COOL statute and COOL implementing regulations discriminate against their livestock exports to the United States and violated U.S. WTO obligations. Canada and Mexico also alleged that the U.S. COOL requirements were more trade restrictive than necessary. In November 2011, the WTO Panel affirmed that the United States and other WTO Members have the right to adopt country of origin labeling requirements. However, the Panel – among other findings – disagreed with the way the United States designed its requirements.

In March 2012, the United States appealed certain aspects of the panel’s findings while Canada and Mexico filed cross-appeals. The Appellate Body upheld the Panel’s finding that the United States has the right to adopt country of origin labeling requirements. It also overturned the finding that COOL is more trade restrictive than necessary. The Appellate Body declined to make findings on the other conditional and cross-appeals made by Canada and Mexico.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has worked closely with the Office of the United States Trade Representative on this case. We look forward to continuing to work with USDA to ensure that American consumers have relevant information to inform their food purchasing decisions. The next step in the process is for the WTO Dispute Settlement Body to adopt its recommendations and rulings. The United States will then have a reasonable period of time to comply.

For additional background on this case, please visit this link.

Weekly Trade Spotlight: U.S.-Turkey Trade and Investment Relations
June 25, 2012

United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk is traveling to the Turkish cities of Istanbul and Ankara with Acting Secretary of Commerce Dr. Rebecca Blank this week to hear directly from stakeholders and attend the second meeting of the U.S.-Turkey Framework for Strategic Economic and Commercial Cooperation (FSECC). This trade spotlight highlights the importance of U.S.-Turkey trade and investment relations.

U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk and former Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke teamed with their Turkish co-chairs in 2009 to launch the U.S.-Turkey Strategic Economic and Commercial Dialogue (FSECC). By addressing issues including intellectual property rights, investment climate, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, the U.S.-Turkey trade relationship is maturing and becoming more sophisticated. Developing services such as banking and industries like manufacturing are well positioned to increase in influence and size.

U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk delivers remarks at the American Turkish Council's Annual Conference  

With a GDP that has tripled since 2001, Turkey’s growing economy presents significant trade opportunities for U.S. businesses. Strategically located at the crossroads between Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia, Turkey’s trade profile is rising at both regional and global levels. This potential is supported by an 8.5 percent economic increase in 2011, second only to China. But Turkey still has not reached its full economic potential, and the U.S. has worked hard to strengthen trade and investment relations that will benefit American businesses and manufacturers for today and the future.

In 1980 two-way trade in goods between Turkey and the United States was around $900 million. In 2011, it was over $20 billion, making it the United States’ 32nd largest goods trading partner. U.S. goods exports to Turkey totaled nearly $15 billion in 2011, which represents almost a 39 percent increase from 2010 and a 292 percent increase from 2000. The top U.S. export categories were aircraft, iron and steel, mineral fuel, cotton yarn and fabric, and machinery. Additionally, Turkey is the United States’ 10th largest agricultural export market, with 2011 bringing in a total of $2.5 billion. Leading categories of agricultural exports were cotton, wheat, tree nuts, and live animals.

U.S.-Turkey trade and investment relations hold immense promise for the U.S. economy. Turkey’s ability to influence economic and political reform throughout its surrounding area, combined with rapid economic growth, has led USTR to work hard to strengthen and improve our already constructive relationship. These efforts will generate new investment and export prospects for American businesses and manufacturers, ultimately creating new jobs and opportunities here in the United States.

With Russia set to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) this August, Ambassador Ron Kirk testified before Congress this week to advocate for passage of legislation terminating application of the Jackson-Vanik Amendment and authorizing the President to extend permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) to Russia.

On Wednesday, June 20, 2012, Ambassador Kirk testified before the House Ways and Means Committee to affirm the economic benefits of establishing PNTR with Russia for American workers, businesses, farmers, and ranchers.

In his remarks, the Ambassador urged Congress to terminate application of the Jackson-Vanik Amendment, which would otherwise prevent the United States from taking full advantage of Russia’s imminent accession to the WTO. The Jackson-Vanik Amendment is a 1970s-era provision that conditions U.S. trade relations with specific countries on meeting certain requirements, including allowing free emigration. The conditions in the Jackson-Vanik Amendment would prevent the U.S. from extending unconditional permanent normal trade relations to Russia as required by the WTO Agreement.

United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk and Secretary of Agriculture
Tom Vilsack testify before the Senate Finance Committee on PNTR with Russia.

If Jackson-Vanik remains in place, the WTO agreement will not apply between the U.S. and Russia. In that unfortunate event, American businesses and exporters would be at a competitive disadvantage in Russia compared to their foreign competitors. On the other hand, the Ambassador noted that with PNTR, U.S. businesses will be in a better position to increase their exports to Russia, in support of additional American jobs.

Ambassador Kirk also highlighted how establishing PNTR with Russia will give the U.S. the tools to enforce Russia’s WTO commitments. Ambassador Kirk highlighted how U.S. negotiators successfully secured additional commitments from Russia in areas such as intellectual property, market access, and transparency. The Ambassador stressed that in contrast to previous accession agreements, these Russian commitments have already been fulfilled and will be in effect on day one of Russia’s WTO membership.

Ambassador Kirk was joined by Deputy Secretary of State Bill Burns, who emphasized that the economic needs of the American people, and the Russian people’s vision for their own future, both point towards the need to end application of Jackson-Vanik and the beginning of a new chapter in our economic and trade relations with Russia.

On Thursday, June 21, 2012, Ambassador Kirk and Secretary Burns testified again, this time before the Senate Finance Committee. There, Ambassador Kirk again urged the committee to take action to authorize PNTR and terminate application of Jackson-Vanik before Russia joins the WTO in August. By doing so, the U.S. will have equal access to Russia’s economy, the seventh largest in the world.

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack joined the ambassadors at the Senate hearing. He emphasized that extending PNTR to Russia is not a favor, but instead a significant opportunity for U.S. farmers, ranchers and producers to better access Russia’s growing consumer market.

Learn more about Jackson-Vanik, PNTR, and Russian WTO accession here.

Earlier this week the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement invited stakeholders interested in the TransPacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations to a briefing at the USTR. Public Citizen, AFL-CIO, Humane Society International, Universities Allied for Essential Medicines, and Public Knowledge were among the organizations represented at the briefing. Assistant U. S. Trade Representative (AUSTR) for Southeast Asia and the Pacific Barbara Weisel led the discussion of the panel. The other speakers included the Deputy Assistant U. S. Trade Representatives for Southeast Asia & the Pacific Daniel Watson, for Labor Affairs Timothy Wedding, and for Intellectual Property and Innovation Probir Mehta. They were also joined by Senior Procurement Negotiator Jean Grier, and the Directors for International Environmental & Conservation Policy Kelly Milton, for Services and Trade Negotiations Todd Nissen, and for Investment Affairs Daniel Bahar.

The panel apprised the assembled stakeholders of recent happenings with regard to TPP negotiations, such as the inclusion of Mexico into negotiations, and the status of discussions with Canada. (The meeting occurred just before the announcement that Canada, too, would be joining the negotiating countries.)

After an overview from AUSTR Weisel, stakeholders had the opportunity to ask her and the panel questions and present any concerns. The panelists addressed inquiries about the schedule of the San Diego negotiations, the environmental implications of TPP, and transparency. Finally, the panelists provided attendees with updates regarding specific chapters of TPP, such as the environment and investment components.

The next round of the Trans-Pacific Partnership will take place in San Diego, California from July 2nd through July 10th.

On Monday, June 18, Ambassador Kirk hosted German Vice-Chancellor and Minister of Economics and Technology Philipp Röesler. In his dual capacity as Minister of Economics, Röesler is responsible for trade, energy, technology, and business matters. During their meeting, Ambassador Kirk and Minister Röesler discussed the work on potential transatlantic trade initiatives that is being conducted by the U.S.-EU High Level Working Group on Jobs and Growth. Ambassador Kirk raised U.S. concerns on certain EU regulations that unjustifiably impede U.S. agricultural exports to the EU, and the two trade officials also discussed the outlook for multilateral trade negotiations in the WTO.

Ambassador Ron Kirk Meets with German Vice-Chancellor and
Minister of Economics and Technology Philipp Röesler

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is a vital trade preference program that provides duty-free entry into the United States for almost all products from AGOA-eligible countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

For the past 12 years, AGOA has helped a wide range of African countries expand and diversify trade with the United States. Last week, USTR joined the State Department in hosting the annual African Growth and Opportunity Act Forum in Washington. The theme for this year’s AGOA Forum was “Enhancing Africa’s Infrastructure for Trade. Discussions at the forum focused on developing transport, energy and telecommunications to improve Africa’s competitiveness and promote regional trade; improving the business climate and effective regulation of key infrastructure sectors; advancing African regional economic integration; and highlighting trade opportunities for U.S. businesses in Africa.

Ambassador Kirk delivers remarks at a Brookings Institution
event entitled, "The Africa Growth and Opportunity Act:
Looking Back, Looking Forward.” (Photo by Sharon Farmer for Brookings)

On Thursday, Ambassador Kirk co-chaired the opening plenary session of the Forum with Ghanaian Minister of Trade Hannah Tetteh. The session, including Ambassador Kirk’s remarks, addressed the importance of infrastructure to the capacity to trade, the importance of competitiveness and AGOA utilization. The following day, Ambassador Demetrios Marantis delivered remarks at the Forum’s closing ceremony at the State Department, along with Ethiopian Minister of Trade and Industry Kebede Chane.

In addition to these themes, AGOA stakeholders discussed the need for the U.S. Congress to renew the critical third-country fabric provision of AGOA, which allows African apparel producers to use fabrics made by a third party and still receive duty-free treatment for their exports to United States. If Congress does not act to renew it, the third-country fabric provision will expire on September 30, 2012. With expiration of this provision looming on the horizon, many American retailers have already begun to cancel orders – disrupting the flow of their business and leaving African exporters empty-handed. If the provision is allowed to expire, hundreds of thousands of women and small business owners in AGOA-eligible countries will likely lose their jobs. Recognizing the importance of renewing and extending the third-country fabric provision, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, along with many other administration officials are urging, Congress to take action and sustain this vital trade tool that supports jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.

On Tuesday, June 12th, United States Trade Representative Chief Counsel for Administrative Law Dave Apol and the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement hosted a phone call with more than 80 Trade Advisory Committee members. All Trade Advisory Committees were invited to participate, and members from all committees were represented on the call.

The phone call was scheduled to address questions about how members of advisory committees can consult with non-committee members and constituents regarding certain documents or meetings. Participants on the call discussed the advisors’ role as representatives of their organizations and respective sectors, and the necessity of communication between advisors, their constituents, and USTR. During the call Mr. Apol provided examples of various scenarios and answered questions from the committee members.

On Wednesday, Assistant United States Trade Representative for Japan, Korea and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Affairs Wendy Cutler met with a group of visiting Korean journalists here at USTR. Ms. Cutler was the chief negotiator of the recently implemented U.S.-Korea Trade Agreement, the first U.S. trade agreement with a North Asian country. During the meeting, Ms. Cutler lauded the close working relations between the two countries that made the groundbreaking agreement possible and said that it is being implemented smoothly. She described successful meetings of the various joint committees that are helping to ensure implementation continues to go as planned. She also emphasized the mutual benefits the trade agreement provides, especially for U.S. and Korean small businesses. Two-way trade has already increased since implementation this March, a trend that is expected to continue as the agreement reaches its full potential.

Assistant USTR for Japan, Korea & APEC affairs Wendy Cutler Meets with a Group of Visiting
Korean Journalists at USTR.

The journalists are participating in “Bridging the Gaps in Understanding between Korea and the United States,” a two-week exchange program that has brought seven Korean journalists to the U.S. to meet with leaders in business, government, non-governmental organizations, and other members of the community. Seven U.S. journalists are currently on a similar tour through South Korea. The goal of this program is to promote awareness of the political, economic, security, cultural and social issues of each country.

On June 12, 2012 a bipartisan group of senators proposed legislation to terminate the application to Russia of the Jackson-Vanik Amendment. The Jackson-Vanik Amendment is a 1970s-era provision that conditions U.S. trade relations with specific countries on their meeting certain requirements, including allowing free emigration. The conditions in the Jackson-Vanik Amendment would prevent the U.S. from extending unconditional permanent normal trade relations to Russia as required by the WTO Agreement.

Passing the proposed legislation will clear the path for U.S. businesses, farmers, and workers to have the same access to Russia’s markets as their foreign competitors, and will position those same stakeholders to reap the full benefits of Russia’s upcoming WTO membership.

Included below are statements of support from a wide range of trade stakeholders:

Boeing

Business Roundtable

Distilled Spirits Council

Emergency Committee for American Trade

General Electric

Governors from Washington, South Dakota, Arkansas, Michigan, Iowa, North Dakota, Utah, Georgia, Connecticut, South Carolina, Delaware, Alabama, Mississippi, and Vermont

National Association of Manufacturers

National Center for APEC

TechAmerica

U.S. Commerce Department

U.S. Council for International Business

U.S. Dairy Export Council

U.S.-Russia Business Council

Link to December 2011 blog post on Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization

Ambassador Kirk and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson hosted a meeting of the Trade and Environment Policy Advisory Committee (TEPAC) on June 11th at USTR. TEPAC is comprised of a broad range of representatives from non-governmental organizations, the private sector, think tanks, and academia, and provides policy advice on issues relating to trade and the environment. Ambassador Kirk provided TEPAC with an update on the ongoing Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations, and commented that “interest [in the negotiations] is growing exponentially.” Ambassador Kirk also provided updates on the trade agreements with Korea, Colombia, and Panama, and on recent developments in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, including a read-out of the APEC Trade Ministers’ meeting in Kazan, Russia.

Administrator Jackson explained how environmental standards can help drive innovation and markets. She provided a report on the EPA’s export promotion initiative, including a report on the EPA Technology Market Summit, as well as information on work being undertaken in the North American Commission on Environmental Cooperation. Following their remarks, Ambassador Kirk and Administrator Jackson engaged in an informative discussion with TEPAC members, which touched on a broad range of trade and environment matters.

Ambassador Kirk and Administrator Jackson Co-host the TEPAC Meeting
at USTR

On the second day of his visit to Astana, Kazakhstan, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis met with Kazakh Prime Minister Karim Massimov, Deputy Prime Minister Kairat Kelimbetov, Minister of Agriculture Asylzhan Mamytbekov, Minister of Economic Integration Zhanar Aitzhanova, Deputy Foreign Minister Kairat Umarov, and Chairman Umirzak Shukeyev of Samruk-Kazyna.

Ambassador Marantis reiterated the strong support of the United States for Kazakhstan to complete its WTO accession process by the end of this year. He reviewed with key ministries the tremendous progress Kazakhstan has made in the past several years. The U.S. and Kazakhstan signed a bilateral goods trade agreement in November of 2010, and a bilateral services trade agreement in September of 2011. Both sides are accelerating work on remaining multilateral issues in the run-up to Kazakhstan's July 2012 meeting of its WTO Working Party.

Ambassador Marantis also had wide-ranging discussions with his counterparts on ways to increase bilateral trade and investment between the two countries as well as improve regional integration. An important aspect of these discussions focused on the U.S.-Kazakhstan bilateral working group, established under the U.S.-Central Asia TIFA. The working group is the primary forum for bilateral trade and investment discussions between the two countries.

Deputy United States Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis yesterday led a U.S. delegation to Astana, Kazakhstan for discussions on the U. S. - Kazakhstan bilateral trade and investment relationship and Kazakhstan's efforts to join the World Trade Organization (WTO). Ambassador Marantis met with Minister of Oil and Gas Sauat Mynbayev and Minister for Trade and Economic Integration Zhanar Aitzhanova. At these meetings, Ambassador Marantis praised the growing bilateral trade and investment relationship between the two countries, as well as Kazakhstan's progress toward WTO accession.

Ambassador Marantis Meets With
Kazakhstan Minister of Oil
and Gas Sauat Mynbayev

Ambassador Marantis Meets With Kazakhstan
Minister for Trade and Economic Integration
Zhanar Aitzhanova

In the last decade, the Asia-Pacific Region has been home to some of the fastest growing economies in the world. In the coming years, increased trade opportunities between the United States and Asia will become increasingly important to continued economic growth, and to the creation of more jobs here at home. This week’s trade spotlight highlights the importance of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, which is comprised of Australia; Brunei Darussalam; Canada; Chile; People’s Republic of China; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; Japan; Republic of Korea; Malaysia; Mexico; New Zealand; Papua New Guinea; Peru; The Philippines; Russia; Singapore; Chinese Taipei; Thailand; The United States; and Viet Nam.

This week Ambassadors Kirk, Marantis, and Punke are attending the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting in Kazan, Russia. The meetings, held June 4-5, are attended by all trade ministers who represent the 21 “member economies” of APEC. Topics of discussion include:

• Trade and investment liberalization, regional economic integration

• Strengthening food security,

• Establishing reliable supply chains, and

• Intensive cooperation to foster innovative growth.

Established in 1989, APEC member economies now comprise 41% of the global population, 54% of total GDP and 44% of the world’s trade. APEC is especially important to U.S. exporters, with nine of the top 15 U.S. export markets for goods being APEC member economies. In 2010, almost 60% of U.S. exports went to APEC countries, and U.S. goods exports totaled $774 billion, a 25% increase from 2009. The top exports categories to APEC member economies in 2010 were machinery, electrical machinery, vehicles, mineral fuel and medical instruments. Additionally, APEC member economies are large export markets for U.S. agricultural products, with agricultural exports totaling almost $84 billion in 2010.

Because of this important trade relationship, American workers across the country are benefiting. The continued growth of APEC member economies provides an opportunity for increased consumption of American-made goods and services by consumers throughout APEC member economies. Through new initiatives, such as the ambitious 21st century Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement, USTR is working to improve and grow the United States’ relationship with APEC member economies in an effort to help create new investment and export opportunities for American businesses and more jobs for workers here at home.

This week’s meeting will further the dynamic partnership of APEC, and aid in its continued success as a leader of the 21st century where significant and meaningful achievements are made to further liberalize trade and investment in the region for American workers.

On Thursday, USTR officials participated in a public session as part of a series of U.S.-Peru Environmental Meetings that took place May 29-31 in Washington, D.C. During the public session, U.S. and Peruvian government officials, and stakeholders from environmental organizations, engaged in a robust conversation on the U.S.-Peru trade agreement and its relationship to the Amazon rainforest. U.S. and Peruvian officials addressed implementation and enforcement questions and emphasized their commitment to rule of law, transparency and the environment. By connecting the sustainable land management practices of indigenous Amazonian populations to international efforts to curb the trade of illegal timber, an overriding sentiment emerged that economic growth and environmental protection can be mutually supportive.

Amy Karpel, USTR Director for Environment & Natural Resources, Addresses
U.S. and Peruvian Officials on May 31, 2012.

As we continue to celebrate the accomplishments of American small businesses during National Small Business Week, the Obama Administration is working to develop ways of helping make these businesses even more competitive. Increasing access to high-growth foreign markets, addressing non-tariff barriers in these countries and making our regulatory regimes work together more seamlessly are among the best ways USTR can contribute to the Administration’s efforts to help our small businesses compete.

To achieve this goal, we are focusing heavily on the Asia-Pacific region, which includes some of the fastest-growing economies in the world. USTR extensively consulted with small and medium-sized businesses to better understand the issues they face in trying to compete in the Asia Pacific and globally. We also drew ideas from the work done at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum on small and medium-sized businesses. These businesses told us that the key barriers that they faced were related to tariffs, different rules of origin in different agreements, complex customs procedures, regulatory and other non-tariff barriers, and the difficulty of accessing the laws, regulations, and other information about foreign markets. We have developed proposals to address each of these issues for the TPP negotiations.

The TPP is an ambitious, 21st-century trade agreement, which currently includes Australia, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. Through these proposals, we hope to help U.S. small businesses, a key source of job creation, integrate more fully and compete more effectively in the global economy.

Radi Al-Rashed, a small-business owner in north Texas, voiced his support for the TPP, stating, “International Chem-Crete Corporation exports to some of these countries. The TPP agreement can create jobs, promote competitiveness and advance exports. It can also increase transparency.” Mr. Al-Rashed is the President and CEO of International Chem-Create Co, and is a member of the North Texas District Export Council.

This week is National Small Business Week, celebrating the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises to the American economy.

Buffalo Wire Works, located in downtown Buffalo, New York, manufactures and supplies wire cloth, plate, and screening media and accessories. It has 120 employees and is looking to expand to approximately 170 in the near future, continuing its investment in the Buffalo community. According to CEO Joe Abramo, “Buffalo Wire Works is booming in the inner city, and is willing to invest to support additional growth!” Buffalo Wire Works has a very strong presence in Latin America and Mr. Abramo notes that, “Who we sell to is so diverse because it is not just one industry. We sell to a variety of different industries and have a diverse customer base.”

Farther south, Maximus Coffee Group, located in Houston, Texas is a local staple in the community—and not just because of its dependency on caffeine. Founded in 2006, Maximus Coffee Group is one-half of the de Aldecoa family business, the other half being Cadeco Industries. While Cadeco Industries processes over one million pounds of coffee each day, Maximus Coffee Group is an integrated roasting, decaffeination, soluble and packaging facility.

Maximus Coffee Group and Cadeco Industries have been well positioned to lead the US in coffee production and maintain Houston’s role a coffee center. Part of its success is due to its roughly 375 employees, with additional external support roles filled by vendors and suppliers. When asked whether the passage and implementation of free trade agreements has allowed Maximus Coffee Group to expand, Executive Vice President Leo Vasquez responded that “The more global markets are opened on an even basis, the more jobs are created here in the United States.”

Taking advantage of Houston’s port has been critical to the company’s success, allowing it to export and import millions of pounds of coffee worldwide each year. Maximus Coffee Group exports to Canada, Mexico, Indonesia, Eastern Europe, Spain, Malaysia, and Korea, allowing them to build a good working relationship with the Houston Port, as well as government officials supportive of the local and state business climate.

Commenting on USTR’s recent successes, Mr. Vasquez said, “Even though we are considered a small to mid-size business, we’re playing in the global industry. Our plant in Houston is one of the largest and most diverse coffee plants in the world. We are directly affected by tariffs and taxes around the world. It is a big help to have USTR looking out for us. USTR’s efforts can directly benefit us, the U.S. entrepreneurial company, as well as the bigger corporate players.”

On the occasion of World Trade Week and National Small Business Week, Deputy Assistant USTR for Small Business and Market Access Christina Sevilla spoke to the International Trade Council of Greater Kansas City, Missouri about how the Obama Administration’s trade agenda benefits small businesses. Of the nearly 4,400 companies which export from Missouri, 85 percent are small and medium size firms that employ fewer than 500 employees. The recent entry-into force of trade agreements with Korea and Colombia gives American small business greater access to robust economies in Asia and Latin America, and presents new opportunities for Missouri companies.

Bio-Microbics, a small business that manufactures water and wastewater treatment systems at two facilities in Shawnee, Kansas and Sunset Hills, Missouri, heavily relies on exports to drive business. Bio-Microbics President Robert Rebori remarked that "international sales are the reason we exist," with 80 percent of company revenue derived from exports, thus supporting well-paid jobs in Kansas and Missouri. Rebori stated that the company exports “Made in America” products to 60 countries around the world, including India, Russia, and China. Rebori finds that high tariffs are one of the key barriers that his small company faces, as they drive up costs and affect pricing vis-a-vis foreign competitors. Other trade agreements with partners like Peru and Chile have helped Bio-Microbics gain market access through tariff elimination. Now, with the recent addition of the Colombia trade agreement, which entered into force on May 15th, Rebori looks forward to competing for new customers in that market. Bio-Microbics has been recognized with the President's E Award for U.S. Exports, as well as the Kansas Exporter of the Year Award.

Small business panel with Dan Ward, Western Forms; Bob Rebori, Bio-Microbics;
DAUSTR Christina Sevilla; ITAC 11 Small and Minority Business Advisor Fred Baehner

Economic development officials in Missouri also see expanded opportunities with the recently implemented U.S. - Korea trade agreement. Krista Hinrichs, International Business Manager for the Pacific Rim at Missouri's Department of Economic Development, notes that "Missouri exports to Korea have increased nearly 150 percent in the first quarter of 2012 over the same quarter last year." Additionally, the state’s International Trade and Investment Office in Seoul has the state’s small businesses poised to take advantage of new opportunities made available by the trade agreement.

Under the President’s National Export Initiative, USTR is working to continue opening markets in Asia, Latin America and around the world for the benefit of U.S. small businesses and companies of all sizes.

On Tuesday, May 22, 2012, a U.S. Government team held the second technical level review of 2012 called for under the Colombian Action Plan Related to Labor Rights. The U.S. team was led by Bennett Harman, Deputy Assistant USTR for Latin America, and Carol Pier, Acting Deputy Under Secretary for International Labor Affairs. They met with David Luna, Vice Minister of Labor; Andres Villamizar, General Director of the National Protection Unit; and Jorge Perdomo, Vice Prosecutor General. The purpose of the meetings was to continue cooperation and dialogue on implementation of the Labor Action Plan.

United States Government Team Meets with Colombian Vice Minister of Labor David Luna

Today marks the beginning of National Small Business Week, a time to reflect on the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to the American economy. Recognizing the vital role of small businesses in the United States, the Obama Administration has taken steps to ensure that American small businesses will be able to grow and create jobs for hardworking Americans. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is working to expand exports by U.S. small businesses and support American job creation and economic growth.

One of the most ambitious steps the Administration has taken to help small businesses succeed in the 21st century global economy is the National Export Initiative. Under this initiative, USTR is working more closely than ever with our partner agencies to provide American companies of all sizes with the export opportunities and the resources they need to succeed in the global market place.

Among the major achievements in opening global markets was the entry into force on March 15, 2012 of the historic United States-Korea Trade Agreement, giving American businesses, farmers, ranchers, and service providers unprecedented access to South Korea’s $1 trillion economy. The Agreement eliminates tariffs on 95 percent of industrial and consumer goods, making it substantially easier for small businesses to export their products to Korea and grow their companies. The Agreement also opens South Korea’s $580 billion services market, including areas where U.S. small businesses are particularly competitive, such as information and communications technology services. The Agreement also removes barriers especially difficult for small businesses, such as removing the requirement to establish an office in South Korea before conducting trade. To see testimonials from American small business on the benefits of the trade agreement, click here.

On May 15, 2012, just two months after the United States- Korea Trade Agreement entered into force, the U.S.-Colombia Trade Agreement did the same. Colombia is the third largest economy in Latin America, and this the new Agreement will make it easier and less expensive for U.S. small businesses to start or expand their exports into this important Latin American market.

Colombia is already a significant export market for U.S. small businesses. In 2010, almost 13,000 U.S. SMEs exported $4.0 billion in merchandise to Colombia, accounting for approximately one-third of U.S. merchandise exports to Colombia. Upon entry into force of this agreement, 80 percent of American consumer and industrial products will become duty-free. The elimination of tariffs will remove the tax on U.S. goods, which should increase demand for U.S. products and help increase export opportunities to Colombia.

The Colombia Trade Agreement calls for a greater amount of transparency regarding foreign laws and regulations, important, because many times, small businesses lack the resources to successfully navigate the web of foreign laws and regulations. This Agreement creates a more transparent process and removes a significant barrier for small businesses trying to export their products to Colombia.

The entry into force of United States-Korea and United States.-Colombia trade agreements are significant achievements in the Obama Administration’s effort to make American small businesses more competitive in the global economy, and create more quality jobs for Americans.

Work to implement the U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement is also underway. Panama is one of the fastest growing economies in Latin America, expanding 10.6 percent in 2011, with annual growth forecast ranging between 5% and 8% through 2017. The U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement will support American jobs, expand markets, and enhance U.S. competitiveness by eliminating tariffs and other barriers to U.S. exports and expanding trade between our two countries – including trade by U.S. small businesses, who employ so many Americans and contribute so greatly to our economy today.

On Monday, May 14, Ambassador Kirk joined Secretary Hilda Solis at the Department of Labor for a meeting of the Labor Advisory Committee on Trade Negotiations and Trade Policy. Members in attendance included R. Thomas Buffenbarger, Chair of the Labor Advisory Committee and International President of Machinists; Richard Trumka, President of the AFL-CIO; Clayola Brown, National President of the A. Philip Randolph Institute; Raymond Hair, President of the American Federation of Musicians; Gregory Junemann, International President of Professional and Technical Engineers; and Veda Shook, International President of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA.

Ambassador Kirk engages members of the Labor Advisory Committee

Secretary Solis began the meeting by commenting on the U.S. Department of Labor’s continued commitment to worker protection and enforcement of U.S. labor laws. Ambassador Kirk focused on three key topics during the discussion; updating the committee members on the 12th Round of Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations, the trade agreement with Colombia, and the President’s National Export Initiative (NEI). Ambassador Kirk and Secretary Solis also noted the Obama Administration’s ongoing work with the government of Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos to address labor concerns in Colombia.

Ambassador Kirk speaks with AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka

Referring to the NEI, Ambassador Kirk emphasized the creation of 1.2 million jobs and the goal to level the playing field so that U.S. businesses can compete internationally. The Ambassador also updated the members on the recent Strategic and Economic Dialogue meetings in China.

From Left to Right: Assistant USTR for Labor Lewis Karesh, Ambassador Kirk, and Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis

The Labor Advisory Committee is co-chaired by the U.S. Trade Representative and the Secretary of Labor. The committee advises and provides recommendations on issues and general policy matters concerning labor and trade negotiations, including operation of trade agreements.

This morning Ambassador Kirk hosted the Advisory Committee on Trade Policy and Negotiations (ACTPN) meeting at the White House. The Committee, chaired by Terry McGraw and vice chaired by John Surma, had a robust discussion on various topics including the entry into force of the Korea and Colombia trade agreements, the ongoing negotiations in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), repealing Jackson Vanik and moving toward permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) with Russia, and the National Export Initiative.

ACPTN Members were able to ask questions and provide feedback during the meeting.

Ambassador Kirk began the meeting by highlighting the Interagency Trade Enforcement Center (ITEC); which was created by executive order. The ITEC will provide additional resources for USTR and other agencies to ramp up enforcement efforts and ensure a level playing field for U.S. businesses at home and abroad. Additionally, he provided updates on the 12th round of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which officially concludes this week.

Ambassador Kirk hosts the ACTPN meeting at the White House. From left to right, Council of Economic Advisors Alan Krueger, Vice-Chair and U.S. Steel CEO John Surma, Ambassador Kirk, Chair and McGraw-Hill Companies CEO Harold McGraw, White House Chief of Staff Jack Lew, Deputy Assistant to the President and National Security Advisor for International Affairs Michael Froman

The Ambassador was followed by remarks from the White House Chief of Staff Jack Lew, Deputy Assistant to the President and National Security Advisor for International Affairs Michael Froman, and chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors Alan Krueger. Mr. Lew thanked the ACTPN members for their leadership and stated the one of the members’ task is to focus on the economy of the future and the role of trade, which plays an integral part by discussing fair rules and market access. Mr. Lew also said that the “key is to have an environment where trade agreements are sustainable, as it is important to lay a foundation for trade policy.” With the G8 and G20 summits approaching, Mr. Froman emphasized that trade is always on the agenda and that it is “hard to overestimate the importance of the Trans-Pacific Partnership.” Mr. Krueger described the record level of exports, an increase in U.S. manufacturing jobs, and the opportunity to expand, especially with regards to improving international trade strategy.

ACTPN Member and CEO of Grocery Manufacturers Association Pam Bailey ask a question. United Steelworkers Leo Gerard sits to her right and Business Software Alliance CEO Robert Holleyman sits to her left.

Chair McGraw continued the discussion raising the need to find new ways for growth, through collaboration.  The meeting then changed to an open forum, where members voiced their concerns on a wide variety of issues and asked questions. The Ambassador and Chair McGraw concluded the meeting, thanking everyone for their time and substantive contributions to the discussion.

ACTPN is a Presidential appointed and statutorily created Advisory Committee that provides advice tothe President and the Unites States Trade Representative. Today’s meeting included members that represent labor, agriculture, manufacturing, services, and non-governmental organizations.

Washington, D.C. – Elected officials, as well as business and industry leaders, are applauding the entry into force of the U.S-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement today – which means that 80 percent of American exports of industrial and manufactured products to Colombia are now duty-free. President Obama and Colombian President Santos announced that the agreement would enter into force today during the Summit of the Americas in Cartagena, Colombia on April 15.

Since the agreement won Congressional approval last fall, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has worked diligently with the Colombian government to bring it into force quickly and correctly. The agreement will boost America’s exports to Colombia and help to support well-paying jobs for American workers.

Here’s what leaders are saying so far:

• “This Agreement will provide American businesses, farmers, and ranchers with significantly improved access to the third largest economy in South America. It immediately eliminates or reduces tariffs on almost all U.S. industrial exports to Colombia, presenting new opportunities for U.S. exporters to enter or expand their presence in Colombia’s growing economy. In addition, it provides significant new access to Colombia’s $180 billion services market, supporting increased opportunities for U.S. service providers.” -- U.S. Commerce Secretary John Bryson

• "For America's farmers, ranchers, and agricultural businesses, the timing could not be better. U.S. agriculture is currently experiencing one of its best periods in history thanks to the productivity and resourcefulness of American farmers and agribusinesses. Much of the record growth these past few years is related to President Obama's leadership on trade. Last year, the President insisted that we get this agreement with Colombia right—alongside pacts with South Korea and Panama—that led to strong bipartisan support in both houses of Congress. In 2010, the President committed to double U.S. exports in five years. Two years later, we are on pace to meet that goal.” -- U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack

• “Exporting goods to South America just got easier for America’s small businesses. Today, the U.S. – Colombia Trade Agreement goes into effect, opening yet another fast-growing market to goods made in America. This exciting agreement marks a significant development in the Obama Administration’s efforts to expand access to American goods in emerging markets around the world.” – SBA Administrator Karen Mills

• “Colombia is dropping tariffs on our manufactured and agricultural goods, and that means the door is opening for American workers and businesses to grow. This a major economic win that levels the playing field for American workers and businesses. Colombia’s economy is growing quickly, and it’s a lucrative market for the world-class products made here in the U.S. This trade deal is worth a billion dollars in new U.S. exports and thousands of new jobs at home, and that’s just the kind of boost our economy needs.” -- Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT)

• “Today’s entry into force is cause for celebration. I appreciate and applaud the significant effort by the administrations of both Presidents Obama and Santos to ensure prompt implementation of the agreement after Congress approved it in October. Now we can begin reaping the substantial benefits that the Colombia trade agreement unlocks. The U.S. International Trade Commission has estimated that the agreement will increase U.S. exports by $1.1 billion and increase U.S. GDP by $2.5 billion. That means substantial U.S. job creation, which we so greatly need in this difficult economy.” -- Representative Dave Camp (R-MI), Ways and Means Chairman

• “Entry into force of this agreement is very good news for U.S. workers, farmers, manufacturers, and service exporters. We can now begin to recapture export market share that we lost in Colombia during the years that the trade agreement was not in force. Now that we are ‘back on the field’ in Colombia and Korea, I look forward to rapid implementation of the Panama trade agreement, as well.” -- Representative Kevin Brady (R-TX), Trade Subcommittee Chairman

• “Today’s announcement is great news for American workers, manufacturers, farmers, and service providers. As it stood, average Colombian tariffs on U.S. exports ranged from 7.4 to 14.6 percent. This agreement levels the playing field for American workers, increasing our market access so American companies can compete fairly and grow jobs here at home. With the potential to increase U.S. exports by $1.1 billion and increase U.S. GDP by $2.5 billion, this agreement shows the world we are serious about pursuing a robust trade agenda. I applaud the bipartisan work done to ensure the passage of this agreement, and look forward to the swift implementation of the Panama trade agreement as well.” -- Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03), Ways and Means Committee Member

• “Colombia has been the world’s greatest turnaround story of the past decade. Given the Colombian economy’s rapid growth, this landmark agreement will open the door to exciting new business opportunities and job creation in the U.S. and Colombia. Rather than rest on our laurels, we must continue to push forward with a bold job-creating trade agenda. The Chamber’s trade priorities include congressional approval of permanent normal trade relations with Russia, new trade agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership and proposed accords with the European Union and several other markets, as well as renewal of the president’s trade negotiating authority.” -- Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

• “This is a very good day for wheat farmers. The tariff situation has basically forced our largest customer, historically, in South America to buy more wheat from Canada and Argentina. Now our customers in Colombia will not have to pay the tariff and we can compete equally on the basis of quality, supply and service. Implementing this FTA is particularly important to U.S. wheat farmers, who rely on exports to market about half of their crops each year. In marketing year 2010/2011, Colombia imported from Gulf and Pacific Northwest tributaries about 800,000 metric tons of U.S. wheat from five of six classes.” -- Randy Suess, a wheat farmer from Colfax, WA, and chairman of U.S. Wheat Associates (USW)

Yesterday, lead negotiators from each of the nine Trans-Pacific Partnership countries sat down for a briefing and conversation with dozens of stakeholders interested in the progress, process, and substance of the 12th round of TPP talks happening outside Dallas, Texas this week. Some highlights:

Barbara Weisel, Assistant USTR for Southeast Asia and the Pacific and the lead negotiator for the U.S. opened the briefing with an apology to all the moms working at the TPP round on Mother's Day... and then provided an overview of Saturday's stakeholder presentation event. Weisel noted that initial feedback indicates the new format provided the opportunity for more in-depth, substantive exchanges between stakeholders and negotiators, and that feedback from presenters at the event will be factored into stakeholder presentation planning for the next round of TPP talks. Those, she said, will occur the first week in July at a U.S. location to be finalized soon.

Weisel said that good progress has been made thus far by a number of negotiating groups (see USTR's daily readouts at www.ustr.gov to see what negotiating groups are meeting on what days) and that one negotiating group, discussing small and medium-sized enterprises, has finished its talks and will not have to meet in upcoming rounds. She noted that the negotiators on every topic have tried to be as available as possible to stakeholders in crafting negotiating positions and that they will continue to seek to do so as they consider counterproposals and work to revised text. She also noted that the trade ministers of the TPP countries will meet in a few weeks in Kazan, Russia on the margins of the meeting of APEC ministers related to trade.

The floor was opened for questions and a robust exchange followed lasting well past the hour originally allotted for the conversation, which featured questions from stakeholders at the table and in audience chairs including leaders from the AFL-CIO, Citizens Trade Campaign, Coalition for a Prosperous America, the Emergency Committee for American Trade, Friends of the Earth, Grocery Manufacturers Association, Maine Citizens Trade Policy Commission, Public Citizen, and the Sierra Club – among others.

The first question, from Citizens Trade Campaign, was a request that text be made available to the public so that stakeholders could have more informed positions when speaking with negotiators. Weisel said that while the U.S. position is that constantly evolving TPP chapter texts cannot be released to the public, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has been and remains committed to discussing in-depth with a wide range of stakeholders the formation of U.S. positions, the substance of negotiations as they take place, and how issues should be handled by negotiators as talks continue.

Other topics for questions, which were answered variously by Weisel and chief negotiators from Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam, included the status of discussions as to whether Japan, Mexico and Canada will join the TPP talks - Weisel noted that chief negotiators are briefing each other in Texas this week on the status of bilateral consultations with those countries - and what type of consultations the governments do with their environmental ministers on the issue of investor-state dispute settlement provisions. The chief negotiators also answered several questions on domestic procurement provisions and the balance being sought on intellectual property rights and Internet freedom in the TPP's intellectual property chapter. Because of particular interest and concerns surrounding provisions on investor-state dispute settlement and state-owned-enterprises, Weisel said that there will be further stakeholder briefings on those issues - in addition to a broad U.S.-only stakeholder briefing session - when U.S. negotiators return to Washington, DC following this round of negotiations.

Dallas, TX – Today, stakeholders representing a range of interests and policy areas spoke directly with negotiators about the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP), currently in the twelfth round of negotiations at the Intercontinental Hotel. USTR organized a Direct Stakeholder Engagement Event on-site at the hotel where the TPP talks are underway, to provide a venue for non-governmental organizations, academia, business and industry groups to have substantive conversations with negotiators about their areas of concern.

An NGO stakeholder (right) engages a TPP negotiator.

Several dozen organizations participated in the direct engagement event, representing stakeholders in labor, the environment, intellectual property, consumers, textiles and apparel, agriculture and other policy areas.

Among the participants were the AFL-CIO, American University Washington College of Law, the Business Software Alliance, the National Milk Producers Association, the National Oilseed Processors Association, Occupy Dallas, PhRMA, Public Citizen’s Global Access to Medicines, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The open format allowed negotiators representing the nine Trans-Pacific Partnership countries to discuss areas of concern directly with participants.

One NGO representative said "This format was a big improvement and a useful way to proceed".

Another said "We were glad that many negotiators in our issue area attended, as well as some chiefs (negotiators), and we hope that continues".

Negotiators also responded favorably to the opportunity to sit down and dialogue with stakeholders.

"The opportunity for negotiators to discuss issues one-on-one and in depth was extremely useful,” said USTR Chief Negotiator Barbara Weisel. “This direct engagement with stakeholders with different perspectives on the issues will result in a better agreement."

Stakeholders and negotiators discuss issues of concern.

Stakeholder Event Participants at TPP Round 12

AdvaMed

AFL-CIO, ITUC, MTUC

Alphapharm Pty Limited

American Automotive Policy Council

American University

American University Washington College of Law

Association of American Publishers

Biotechnology Industry Organization

Business Software Alliance

Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids

Citizens Trade Campaign

Coalition for a Prosperous America

Coalition of Service Industries

Computer & Communications Industry Association

Copyright Alliance

Electronic Frontier Foundation

FedEx Express

Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America

Friends of the Earth

Generic Pharmaceutical Association

Global Intellectual Property Center

Grocery Manufacturers Association

Institute for Policy Innovation

International Dairy Foods Association

Internet New Zealand

Knowledge Ecology International

Maine Citizen Trade Policy Commission

MFJ International, LLC

Motion Picture Association of America

Mylan

National Council of Textile Organizations

National Foreign Trade Council

National Milk Producers/U.S. Dairy Export

Council

National Oilseed Processors Association

Occupy Dallas

Personal Care Products Council

PhRMA

Property Rights Alliance

Public Citizen, Global Access to Medicines

Public Citizen’s Global Trade Watch

Public Knowledge

Rubber and Plastic Footwear Manufacturers Association

Semiconductor Industry Association

Sierra Club

Software & Information Industry Association

Third World Network

TPP Apparel Coalition

U.S. Business Coalition for the TPP

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association

(VITAS)

Wal-Mart Stores,Inc

On Friday, Ambassador Kirk visited Brookhaven Community College in Farmers Branch, Texas to talk with students about keeping college affordable. More than 7.4 million students with federal student loans will see their interest rates double on July 1, unless Congress steps in to keep them low. For each year they are allowed to double, the average student with these loans will rack up an additional $1,000 in debt. Ambassador Kirk spoke about the need for Congressional action to prevent these interest rates from spiking. Following his remarks, he answered questions from students.

Ambassador Kirk at Brookhaven College

By Christine Turner, Assistant USTR for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement

Friday at the 12th round of Trans-Pacific Partnership talks outside Dallas, Probir Mehta, Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Intellectual Property and Innovation, and I had a great opportunity to hear from and speak with U.S. and international stakeholders at a lunch session hosted by Public Knowledge discussing copyright enforcement. Speakers included Rashmi Rangnath of Public Knowledge, Jonathan Band of Library Copyright Alliance, Susan Chalmers at Internet New Zealand, Gwen Hinze of Electronic Frontier Foundation, and Jodie Griffin of Public Knowledge. Each gave presentations on issues including fair use, first sale doctrine, proportional response to infringement and the interests of users.

Panelists at the Copyright Enforcement session hosted by Public Knowledge

A key point the speakers highlighted was that enforcement mechanisms should be set up so as not to hamper due process or access to information. Many negotiators from various TPP countries were on hand to hear this message. The speakers also discussed the important challenges of balancing the interests of users of information with those of copyright holders -- especially given the dynamic and ever-changing nature of technology and how intellectual property is shared. The session highlighted the need for balanced legal systems to respect freedom of expression, creativity, AND innovation and provide remedies that properly protect intellectual property while also providing for access to information.

Many of the groups represented at the Public Knowledge lunch will continue engaging with TPP intellectual property negotiators and other stakeholders at the Direct Stakeholder Engagement Event on Saturday, May 12.

Rashmi Rangnath, Public Knowledge Director of the Global Knowledge Iniatiative and Assistant USTR Christine Turner

Yesterday, the Trade Advisory Committee on Africa (TACA) met with Ambassador Kirk to discuss trade policy and initiatives in Africa. This is the first TACA meeting of the year and was held in advance of the 2012 African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum hosted by the U.S. in mid-June.

The Ambassador began the meeting by noting progress on the passing and implementation of the three free trade agreements (FTAs) with Korea, Colombia, and Panama. In addition, Ambassador Kirk highlighted the development of the President Obama’s new Presidential Policy Directive for Africa, which will allow for broader Africa engagement. He also pointed to the possibility of using Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) to accelerate growth between the U.S. and African countries, one of which is being negotiated with Mauritius.

As Ambassador Kirk also pointed out during the TACA meeting, renewing AGOA's Third Country Fabric Provision before its expiration on September 30, 2012 remains a top administration priority. TACA members also emphasized the importance of renewing the Third Country Fabrics provision, referencing its importance as a bipartisan issue that should not be allowed to lapse. Other members commented on the importance of issues such as agribusiness and infrastructure development as well.

The discussion also focused on the President’s National Export Initiative, suggesting that increasing trade with Africa could help meet the President’s goals to double exports by the end of 2014. To promote growth in Africa, the advisors suggested including additional government agencies, the private sector, and building relationships with more government officials in Africa.

Ambassador Kirk concluded the meeting with a positive outlook on Africa’s trade and growth potential: "Africa has enormous resources— and somewhere between petroleum and textiles is great opportunity to do much more."

Ambassador Kirk Participates in TACA Meeting

TACA provides the U.S. Trade Representative with policy advice on issues involving trade and development in sub-Saharan Africa. AGOA is the cornerstone of America’s trade and investment policy with sub-Saharan Africa. AGOA’s performance and effectiveness are closely tied to its Third-Country Fabric (TCF) provision, which is set to expire in September 2012. Swift passage of legislation extending AGOA’s TCF provision is necessary to ensure AGOA’s continued success – and the stability, development, and economic growth of sub-Saharan African countries. Congress has extended the TCF provision twice with bipartisan support.

Guthrie met on May 8 with Texas AFL-CIO President Becky Moeller, Texas AFL-CIO Communications Director Ed Sills, Texas AFL-CIO Secretary Treasurer John Patrick, Lone Star Sierra Club Chairman Hal Suter, Texas Apollo Alliance Coordinator David Cortez, and Texas Fair Trade Coalition Director Bob Cash, as well as Arthur Stamoulis from the Citizens Trade Campaign, accepting a petition the group had organized and hearing their views on transparency in the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations and on a wide range of substantive issues being discussed. More than 300 stakeholders from non-governmental organizations, academia, business, and the public have accepted the U.S. Trade Representative’s invitation to be on-site at the TPP talks, to engage directly with negotiators and help shape the substance of the talks. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has been pleased to engage with organizations like the AFL-CIO and the Sierra Club to formulate approaches on key issues such as TPP’s labor provisions and ensuring that state-owned enterprises don’t unfairly disadvantage U.S. workers, and on groundbreaking conservation proposals, which can be found on the USTR website here.

Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Guthrie Hears From TPP Stakeholders

Monday, May 7

Ambassador Sapiro will participate on a panel at Transatlantic Week, organized by the Transatlantic Policy Network (TPN)

Washington, D.C.

Closed Press

Tuesday, May 8

Ambassador Kirk will participate in a panel entitled “Perspectives on Hemispheric Trade” at the 42nd Annual Conference on the Americas

Washington, D.C.

Open Press

Ambassadors Kirk and Sapiro will meet with Chilean Foreign Affairs Minister Alfredo Moreno

Washington, D.C.

Closed Press

Wednesday, May 9

Ambassador Sapiro will deliver remarks on “Fighting Counterfeiting and Piracy: A Call for Dialogue” at an event at the French Embassy

Washington, D.C.

Closed Press

Thursday, May 10

Ambassador Kirk will meet with the Trade Advisory Committee on Africa (TACA)

Washington, D.C.

Closed Press

Ambassador Sapiro will meet with former Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende

Washington, D.C.

Closed Press

Ambassador Siddiqui will deliver remarks on the U.S.-EU Organic Equivalence Arrangement at a luncheon hosted by EU Ambassador to the U.S. Joao Vale de Almeida

Washington, D.C.

For more information, please contact Giulio Menato at the Delegation of the European Union to the U.S.

Ambassador Marantis will attend the 2012 Global Commerce Leadership Circle Reception

Washington, D.C.

Closed Press

Friday, May 11

Ambassador Marantis will travel to Dallas for the 12th Round of Negotiations of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (May 11-13)

Dallas, TX

Open Press Events

**Additional events may be announced throughout the week

United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk and Deputy United States Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis visited Beijing this week as part of a U.S. delegation to participate in the fourth round of the United States-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED). In Beijing, Ambassadors Kirk and Marantis joined S&ED co-chairs Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton – along with Commerce Secretary Bryson and other U.S. Government officials – for high-level discussions around several key issues related to the U.S.-China bilateral relationship.

During the S&ED's Economic Track trade and investment discussions, in which USTR plays a leading role, the United States made progress on several priority issues, including stepped up IPR enforcement and increasing sales of legitimate products, prioritizing enforcement against trade secrets theft, giving IP non-discriminatory treatment wherever it is owned or developed, a new comprehensive offer by China in 2012 to join the WTO Government Procurement Agreement, opening new areas to foreign investment, and beginning intensive discussions with China to ensure that market access is, in fact, not tied to technology transfer.

In addition, throughout the talks this week, Ambassadors Kirk and Marantis stressed that China is a critical and key trading partner for the United States. China's annual trade growth averaged 13.9 percent between 1979 and its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001 – and since then that growth has accelerated to 21.6. As the world's fastest growing major economy, China offers huge opportunities for American businesses, workers, farmers, and ranchers. Therefore, the United States has a strong interest in China's continued economic growth.

However, as Ambassador Kirk has noted, as China grows, it must afford opportunities to companies from all countries fairly, consistently, and in accordance with international trading rules. For the United States, ensuring a level playing field for American workers and businesses is critical to creating new opportunities from our bilateral trade and investment relationship with China.

The U.S.-China relationship has deepened and matured over the last few years. And President Obama has been very clear that we need to work together to balance our trade relationship with China and advance mutually beneficial interests. Our shared goal and challenge is to address important systemic issues in order to minimize the obstacles facing American and Chinese companies and promote a more healthy trade and investment relationship.

For more specifics on topics and issues discussed during the S&ED, see the U.S.-China Joint Fact Sheet and the U.S. Fact Sheet, which can be found at www.treasury.gov.

Last week, Deputy Assistant USTR for Small Business and Market Access Christina Sevilla spoke on the “Exporting for Small Business” panel at the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Units (OSDBU) Annual Conference.  The OSDBU Procurement Conference is a national conference fostering business partnerships between the Federal Government and small, minority-owned, veteran-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, HUBZone, and women-owned businesses.  Now in its 22nd year, the OSDBU Directors Conference is a premier event for small business throughout the United States.

According to organizers, this was the first time that the OSBDU conference -- primarily focused on Federal Government contracting opportunities for small business --- also included a panel on Small Business exporting with interagency participation, given the National Export Initiative’s goal of doubling U.S. exports by the end of 2014 and priority attention to small businesses who are new to exporting.  And according to the Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency, minority-owned firms are more likely to export compared to non-minority-owned firms, regardless of firm size.  For example, minority-owned firms in wholesale trade; professional, scientific and technical services; and finance and insurance were more likely to export compared to non-minority firms in those same industries.  Among firms generating 50% to 100% of their annual $1 million plus sales through exports, minority-owned firms were four times (4.2%) as likely to export compared to non-minority firms (1%). Minority firms are also five times more likely to conduct business in a language other than English compared to non-minority owned firms.

Deputy Assistant USTR Christina Sevilla, second from right, participates in "Exporting for Small Business" panel

Foreign language capability can be a huge advantage for U.S. minority and diaspora entrepreneurs seeking to make export sales to U.S. trade agreement partners in Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and elsewhere. Sevilla spoke about the benefits to small businesses of U.S. trade agreements, such as the new agreements with Colombia and Korea.  Trade agreement partners can be easier markets for small firms to access due to the reduction and elimination of tariff barriers, non-tariff barriers, and speedier customs procedures to get products to market under the agreements.  Reducing tariff costs and cutting red tape can make a big difference to a small company seeking to export for the first time or to enter a new market.

She also highlighted new opportunities for small business suppliers to access foreign government procurement markets under the revised WTO Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) that will be available when it enters into force, possibly as early as 2013.  For example, the revised agreement will give U.S. suppliers access to more than 150 additional central government entities in European Union Member States, including Bulgaria, Finland, France, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Romania, and Sweden.  U.S. suppliers will also gain access to a number of additional central government entities in other GPA Parties, including in Aruba, Hong Kong, Israel, Liechtenstein, Korea, and Switzerland.

Small and minority-owned and women-owned firms which have successfully competed for U.S. government contracts may now consider foreign government contracts a promising new opportunity opened up by U.S. trade negotiations.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia -United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk concluded his visit to Malaysia today by meeting with Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak

Ambassador Kirk tries his hand at hammering a pewter mug at the Royal Selangor pewter company in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, before meeting with leaders of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers. Ambassador Kirk is in Southeast Asia this week to outline key U.S. trade objectives with regard to the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Following his two-day stop in Kuala Lumpur, Ambassador Kirk will fly to Singapore where he will deliver a speech at Singapore Management University.

Washington, DC – Elected officials and leaders across business, industry, agriculture and services issued statements supporting President Obama and Colombian President Santos’ announcement on Sunday that the U.S-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement would enter into force on May 15, 2012.

Since the agreement won strong bipartisan approval in Congress last fall, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has worked diligently with stakeholders and the Colombian government to ensure all necessary steps were taken to secure what President Obama called a “high standards agreement.”

Upon entry into force on May 15, 80 percent of U.S. exports of industrial and manufactured products to Colombia will become duty free. This will boost U.S. exports, and help to support more and better jobs for American workers.

Here’s what leaders are saying so far:

“This is great news for ranchers, farmers and businesses in Montana and across the country. In just thirty days, U.S. exporters and workers will be competing on a level playing field in this crucial market for American goods, and this will boost U.S. exports by a billion dollars and create the jobs we need here at home. We know that when Americans compete on a level playing field, they win. So this agreement entering into force is vital to giving U.S. workers a leg up in the global economy by removing Colombia’s barriers to our manufactured and agricultural goods from Montana and across the country.” – Max Baucus (D-MT), Senate Finance Committee Chairman

“This agreement will have a positive economic impact in Miami-Dade County, where international trade already generates billions of dollars for our community,” – Jose “Pepe” Diaz, Miami-Dade County Commissioner

“This landmark agreement opens the door to new business opportunities, economic growth, and job creation in the U.S. and Colombia. Today our two countries can celebrate as we take our partnership to a new level.” – Thomas Donahue, U.S. Chamber President and CEO

“The U.S. – Colombia trade agreement will increase opportunities creating jobs for America’s small and minority businesses which are the primary exporters in foreign markets. This will enhance business deals between the two countries and bring Latin America closer as a trading partner.” – Roger A. Campos, President & CEO, Minority Business RoundTable

“We are extremely pleased to see this FTA set for implementation. Our extensive efforts over the nearly six years since the agreement was first signed have finally become a reality and U.S. wheat exports will now compete on an equal basis with other major exporters." – Alvaro de la Fuentes , U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) Regional Vice President for South America

“[Retail Industry Leaders Association] RILA and our members are delighted to see that the benefits of the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement will finally be realized next month. We applaud President Obama and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk for their work to implement this long-anticipated trade promotion agreement. The Colombia FTA will benefit retailers by bringing certainty and stability to the trade relationship between the United States and Colombia” – Stephanie Lester, Vice President of International Trade, Retail Industry Leaders Association

Yesterday, Ambassador Kirk held a conference call with members of the Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee (IGPAC). Ambassador Kirk provided an update on implementation of U.S. trade agreements with Korea, Colombia, and Panama, as well as the Obama Administration’s enhanced efforts to enforce U.S. trade rights.

The discussion focused on the benefits of the trade agreements, including the recent announcement by President Obama during the Summit of the Americas in Cartagena, Colombia that the U.S.-Colombia trade agreement will enter into force on May 15, 2012. Ambassador Kirk noted the positive response to the President’s announcement, adding that USTR certified that Colombia has met the requirements for entry into force of the agreement. Ambassador Kirk also noted progress made by the Colombian government under the Colombia Action Plan Related to Labor Rights, including the establishment of a new ministry of labor and additional resources to prosecute perpetrators of violence against union members.

Ambassador Kirk also highlighted USTR’s efforts to enforce U.S. trade agreements, saying that while “trade expansion is one aspect of our work, equally critical is trade enforcement.” He described USTR’s lead role in the Interagency Trade Enforcement Center (ITEC), which was established by President Obama. As laid out in the President’s Blueprint for America and as part of the Obama Administration’s commitment to leveling the playing field for international trade, ITEC will draw from various agencies to focus on enforcement and pursue trade issues with more resources than previously available. Ambassador Kirk cited a recently filed World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement case against China’s export restraints on rare earths as an example of a complex case that requires the kind of rigorous analysis that ITEC will enable.

To conclude, the Ambassador commented that steps need to be taken by Congress as Russia joins the WTO this year. Specifically, he said Congress needs to repeal the Jackson-Vanik amendment, so that the United States has more WTO enforcement tools available and to ensure that U.S. exporters can compete on a level playing field against their international competitors in Russia.

Assistant United States Trade Representative for Europe and the Middle East L. Daniel Mullaney recently led a delegation of USTR, Commerce and State Department officials to meet with the Government of Tunisia under the auspices of the U.S.-Tunisia Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council, relaunched last fall. Tunisia is charting a path towards greater economic openness, transparency, and deepening bilateral trade and investment ties with the United States, and with partners in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region.

USTR officials Mullaney, Deputy Assistant USTR for Eurasia and the Middle East Mark Mowrey, Deputy Assistant USTR for Small Business Market Access Christina Sevilla, Department of Commerce North Africa desk officer Christopher Wilken, and U.S. Embassy-Tunis Commercial Attache Isabel Rioja-Scott met with a large Tunisian delegation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Ambassador Faysal Gouia. The two sides discussed issues under the Market Access, Services, Investment and Intellectual Property Rights working groups and specific steps that the parties could take to improve the business climate and lay the groundwork for greater and more comprehensive trade liberalization, which would support Tunisia’s economic growth and employment goals. The U.S. delegation also met with officials responsible for Small and Medium Enterprises, and the Tunisian private sector, including the Tunisian American Chamber of Commerce, the Tunis Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Tunisian Union for Industry, Commerce, and Artisans (UTICA), to hear their views on how to strengthen U.S.-Tunisia commercial ties and regional integration. The Tunisian private sector is particularly interested in attracting investment, franchising opportunities, forging business partnerships with U.S. firms including in third country markets, and helping small and medium businesses find trade opportunities with American and regional partners.

America and Tunisia have a history of diplomatic and commercial ties dating back more than 200 years, from the American Friendship Treaty with Tunisia signed in 1799. The U.S. is committed to a strong partnership and growing two-way trade with Tunisia as it transitions to a new era of openness.

 
 USTR-led delegation at TIFA meeting with the Government of Tunisia

 
USTR-led delegation meets with Tunisian private sector representatives

This weekend, Ambassador Kirk will accompany President Obama at the sixth Summit of the Americas (SOA) in Cartagena, Colombia. This year’s Summit theme, “Connecting the Americas: Partners for Prosperity,” reinforces the spirit of partnership that has been at the core of the Obama administration’s policy.

Through equal partnership and the power of proximity, the United States is working effectively with an increasingly capable set of partners to address key challenges facing the people of the Americas. President Obama and Ambassador Kirk will focus on advancing core U.S. interests in the region.

At the fifth Summit of the Americas in 2009 in Trinidad & Tobago President Obama challenged the region to embrace regional cooperation based on partnership and shared responsibility. Many nations embraced that call and the results have been significant. Key commitments include:

• Promoting Robust and Inclusive Economic Growth: As improving economic policies governance continues to lift millions of people in the region out of poverty and into the middle class, opportunities for U.S. firms abound, and we are moving decisively to seize them.

• Strengthening Energy Partnerships: The United States receives more than half its imported energy from the Western Hemisphere. Experts believe that proportion will increase significantly in the coming years, making stronger partnerships essential. Canada is our largest supplier of imported energy, and Mexico is our third largest. We also have also launched strategic energy dialogues with Brazil and Colombia – two leading energy exporters of the future.

• Promoting Educational Exchanges for Partners of the Future: The interpersonal and cultural connections that bind the United States and our regional neighbors are among our strongest assets. Through the 100,000 Strong in the Americas, we will increase educational exchanges in both directions by assisting students find opportunities for foreign study and developing public-private partnerships to fund them.

• Improving Citizen Security: The Administration has put the security of people in their daily lives across the Americas at the center of a next-generation citizen security strategy that emphasizes an integrated and multilateral partnership to strengthen the institutions that will build and sustain the rule of law, address the root causes of crime, and guarantee long-term public security.

• Building New Global Partnerships for the 21st Century: The Inter-American Democratic Charter (IADC), a product of the Summit process, is an essential tool for the collective defense of democracy. The United States will continue to work with our strong regional partners through the IADC framework.

The United States, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic held the sixth meeting of the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) Environmental Affairs Council (EAC) today in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the State Department represented the United States at this meeting.

During the meeting, the CAFTA-DR Parties reaffirmed their strong commitment to work together to preserve and protect the environment through implementation of the CAFTA-DR Environment Chapter and the Environmental Cooperation Agreement. The success of the implementation of the Environment Chapter along with cooperative activities under CAFTA-DR demonstrates the importance of increased trade and stronger environmental protection.

The Council Members also met with members of the public. The Council Members shared progress on implementation of the Environment Chapter and on important results achieved on environmental cooperation and capacity building. The CAFTA-DR Secretariat for Environmental Matters gave a presentation during the public session regarding the enforcement of environmental laws under the CAFTA-DR Environment Chapter.

The CAFTA-DR entered into force for the United States and El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua during 2006, for the Dominican Republic on March 1, 2007, and for Costa Rica on January 1, 2009. To date, the United States has dedicated more than $77 million to support trade and environment capacity building through environmental cooperation in the CAFTA-DR region. CAFTA-DR environmental cooperation focuses on efforts to strengthen implementation and enforce environmental laws, protect biodiversity, increase market-based conservation, and improve private sector environmental performance.

Yesterday the Administration’s Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator, released an economic report on intellectual property-intensive industries and their impact on the U.S. economy. The report, “Intellectual Property and the U.S. Economy: Industries in Focus” was written by the Department of Commerce, working with the President’s Council of Economic Advisors and the chief economists of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, Department of Labor, and other Federal agencies. This report identifies the full range of sectors that generate intellectual property, as well as the jobs, exports, and wage premiums those sectors support.

The findings of this report underscore a key point included in the President’s Trade Agenda: “promoting [a] trade policy that keeps pace with 21st century innovation can support the growth of well-paying IP trade-related job in the United States.” Specifically, the report found that intellectual property is critical to our balance of trade, since goods from the IP-intensive industries account for 60% of all US merchandise exports, and 19% of our services exports. The study also shows that intellectual property is a key driver of our economy: IP-intensive industries create 27.1 million jobs and indirectly support another 12.9 million jobs. All told, nearly 30 percent of all U.S. jobs are directly or indirectly attributable to the IP-intensive industries. And these are jobs that pay well. The average weekly wage in the IP-intensive industries overall is 42% higher by 2010 and its 73% for patent industry jobs and 77% for copyright industry jobs.

The findings in this report highlight the importance of intellectual property through our economy. USTR will continue to grow and sustain innovative jobs through our trade agenda, including by advancing a robust intellectual property chapter in the TPP negotiations; ensuring that our trade agreements are properly implemented; and using the “Special 301” process of reporting on intellectual property protection and enforcement and bilateral engagement, to enhance the protection and enforcement of IPR in our trading partners, and ensure greater market access so that legitimate U.S. exports of IP-intensive products can reach global consumers.

Yesterday Ambassador Ron Kirk and Secretary of Commerce John Bryson attended a plenary meeting of the Industry Trade Advisory Committees (ITACs) at the Department of Commerce. They provided remarks and participated in a question and answer session with ITAC advisors. Remarks referenced the overall competitiveness of U.S. products, trade barriers, the benefits of the free trade agreements and President Obama’s commitment to enforcement.

With respect to enforcement, the Interagency Trade Enforcement Center (ITEC) is intended to level the playing field for American workers and businesses by bringing a more aggressive “whole-of-government” approach to addressing unfair trade practices, and it will significantly enhance the capabilities of the United States to challenge unfair trade practices around the world. The ITEC will provide more resources to ensure that everyone is competing on a level playing field. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has a leading role in trade enforcement and will be appointing the ITEC Director.

Ambassador Kirk speaks to members at ITAC meeting

The remarks also focused on the wide range of U.S. trading partners and their effects on U.S. businesses, including comments on Japan, Canada and Mexico’s desire to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Ambassador Kirk emphasized that trade with Canada and Mexico topped $1 trillion last year, additionally he commented on the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement, which entered into force on March 15th.

Additional briefings were provided to the ITACs by USTR staff, including Tim Reif, General Counsel for USTR; Christine Turner, Assistant USTR for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement; L. Daniel Mullaney, Assistant USTR for Europe and the Middle East; Barbara Weisel, Assistant USTR for the South East Asia Office; Chris Wilson, Assistant USTR for WTO and Multilateral Affairs; and Christine Bliss, Assistant USTR for Services and Investment.

The USTR and the Department of Commerce created the Industry Trade Advisory Center to jointly administer the work of sixteen ITACs, a Committee of Chairs, and over 375 industry executives.

Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis visited Los Angeles's dynamic apparel, fashion, and creative industries on April 2 and 3 to discuss the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and other trade expansion and enforcement initiatives. He first visited 3 apparel manufacturers -- Karen Kane, New Fashion Inc, and Blue River Denim -- for a close view of the success these factories have had in manufacturing and promoting high fashion "Made in the USA" apparel. Ambassador Marantis also gathered with a group of designers, apparel manufacturers, retailers, and other industry leaders at the California Market Center for a roundtable discussion of issues that concern them, including ways that trade agreements, like the TPP and the recently entered into force U.S.-Korea trade agreement, can boost U.S. made apparel exports to the region. They also discussed how President Obama's newly announced Interagency Trade Enforcement Committee (ITEC) can help address increasing concerns with counterfeiting and intellectual property rights.

Ambassador Marantis at New Fashion Products Inc.

Ambassador Marantis visits Blue River Demin

Ambassador Marantis at Karen Kane Factory

On Tuesday, Ambassador Marantis participated in a roundtable discussion with representatives of LA-based film studios, independent filmmakers, unions, and the Mayor's office to talk about the Obama Administration's trade agenda and export opportunities for U.S. creative industries. Highlighting the $12 billion trade surplus in this export-intensive sector, Ambassador Marantis outlined how the Administration is working to further enhance opportunities by pursuing trade agreements like the TPP, enforcing those agreements, and strengthening relationships on the bilateral, regional, and multilateral levels. Discussion topics included the recent successful negotiation of enhanced market access for US films in China, the path forward to an ambitious outcome in the TPP negotiations, and how the TPP can help LA-based small- and medium-sized businesses.

On Saturday, USTR held a meeting of the U.S.-Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Trade and Investment Council in Georgetown, Guyana. Assistant United States Trade Representative (AUSTR) for the Western Hemisphere John Melle led the U.S. delegation. Director of Trade for Trinidad and Tobago Norris Herbert led the CARICOM delegation. CARICOM is a group of 15 Caribbean nations and dependencies. The Trade and Investment Council was established on July 22, 1991.

During the March 31 meeting, the United States and CARICOM leaders discussed progress towards a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA). The United States expressed openness to a potential extension of benefits available under the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) to eligible CARICOM member states and other Caribbean nations. The Council agreed to explore greater cooperation on various issues including small businesses and intellectual property, among others. The United States and CARICOM pledged to continue close cooperation, and agreed to hold the next Council meeting in the United States.

Following the Council meeting AUSTR John Melle stated, “Our joint goal is for the Council to serve as a forum for deepening and strengthening our work on trade and economic issues. I am pleased to say that we made progress on a number of important issues and renewed our commitment to facilitate the growth of trade and investment among our countries.”

On Thursday, Ambassador Kirk met with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, where he congratulated President Kagame on the recent ratification and entry into force of the U.S.-Rwanda Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), and on the progress made in deepening trade and investment relations under the U.S.-Rwanda Trade and Investment Framework Agreement.

Ambassador Kirk and President Kagame discussed how to capitalize on the ratification of BIT to foster greater investment between the United States and Rwanda. They also considered regional issues, including a potential new trade and investment partnership between the United States and the East African Community.

Total two-way goods trade between Rwanda and the United States was $149 million in 2011, up from $51 million in 2010. U.S exports in 2011 were $119 million and U.S imports totaled $31 million. The large increase in trade was driven by Rwanda’s purchase of Boeing aircraft. Other top U.S. exports in 2011 were vaccines, medical devices, and electronics. Coffee comprised over 95 percent of U.S. imports from Rwanda in 2011. Other leading imports from Rwanda were tungsten, pyrethrum (a natural insecticide), and baskets.

On Wednesday, the Emergency Committee for American Trade (ECAT) presented the 2012 ECAT Trade and Investment Leadership Award to United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk and Speaker of the House Representative John Boehner (R - OH). The award recognized Ambassador Kirk and USTR’s achievements in international trade, particularly the passage of historic trade agreements with South Korea, Panama and Colombia.

Terry McGraw, ECAT Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of McGraw Hill, presented the award to Ambassador Kirk. Mr. McGraw thanked Ambassador Kirk for his hard work and dedication to opening new markets for American businesses. In presenting the ECAT award to Ambassador Kirk, Mr. McGraw stated:

“Ambassador Kirk’s outreach to the American people to explain the importance of trade and investment was vitally important to the successes of 2011, including most importantly the passage of the trade agreements with Korea, Colombia and Panama.”

These trade agreements will help to open new export opportunities for American businesses, which will help stimulate growth and create more jobs here at home. The U.S–South Korea trade agreement, which entered into force on March 15, will help support 70,000 jobs from increased goods exports alone.

Mr. McGraw also recognized the hard work of the professional staff at USTR, saying:

“In addition to applauding Ambassador Kirk, ECAT also recognizes tonight the extremely talented professional staff that provides the backbone to much of America’s trade and investment policy. The small, talented and expert professional staff at USTR – joined by incredibly capable staff at other U.S. agencies, including the Departments of Commerce, Treasury, State and Agriculture – performs at the highest caliber every day.”

Before dinner, Ambassador Kirk delivered brief remarks to the guests. In his remarks, Ambassador Kirk highlighted USTR’s goals for the upcoming year including working with Congress to terminate Russia’s Jackson-Vanik status so that American firms will enjoy the full benefits of Russia’s WTO membership. He thanked Members of Congress for the bipartisan support of the trade agreements – noting the leadership of Senate Finance Committee Chairman Senator Max Baucus (D – MT) and Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means Representative Dave Camp (R – MI4) as well as Congressional staff who work closely with USTR to move the country’s trade agenda forward.

He also discussed the progress of ongoing Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) talks, stating:

“This year, we are seeking to conclude a landmark TPP agreement that will address cross-cutting issues such as promoting regulatory coherence among our countries, enhancing the participation of small businesses into Asia-Pacific trade, and building regional supply chains that promote U.S. jobs.”

ECAT was founded in 1967 by several business leaders in order to promote economic growth through international trade and investment.

On Wednesday, Ambassador Kirk, Ambassador Siddiqui, and USTR General Counsel Tim Reif spoke with AgriTalk Radio, a nationally syndicated talk radio for rural America with programming focused on issues that connect agricultural producers and consumers. The three answered questions on the progress USTR has made in trade over the past year, including the recent implementation of the US.-Korea free trade agreement and its impact on the agricultural industry.

Watch the interviews:

U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk talks about implementation of the Korea Free Trade Agreement, the Trans Pacific Partnership, the future of DOHA and the Dallas Cowboys.

US Chief Ag Negotiator Islam Siddiqui talks about pending implementation of free trade agreements as well as ag trade disputes and possible new trade agreements with Japan and Russia.

USTR General Counsel Tim Reif talks about trade enforcement action the U.S. is seeking against India, China and others.

Wednesday morning, Ambassador Kirk spoke at the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) Legislative Summit Welcome Breakfast to discuss the substantial economic benefits of international trade and to update the group on recent developments at USTR.

Ambassador Kirk speaks at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Legislative Summit (March 21,2011)

The event, focusing on the economic power of the Hispanic Business community, featured Members of Congress, and business leaders from across the country. The event was designed to connect Hispanic business leaders with policy experts, regulators, elected officials and corporate leaders to collaborate, network and champion polices that keep the Hispanic business community moving forward. Participants also engaged in discussions on how to spur economic growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Ambassador Kirk highlighted President Obama’s Blueprint for an America Built to Last, a series of ideas to build an economy that works for everyone by growing trade and ultimately creating more jobs here at home. In order to do this, the President is putting more focus on helping small businesses get involved in trade. Already, these new trade opportunities are taking effect -- just the other week, the U.S.-Korea trade agreement was implemented. The agreement will support an additional $10 billion worth of U.S. exports and more than 70,000 American jobs.

For additional information and resources, below are some key online tools to make it easier for small businesses across the country to get involved in trade and exporting

• www.businessusa.gov  -- Business USA provides small business owners with the advice on how to navigate foreign markets and what financing options and trade opportunities are available for your specific needs. It also has the tariff search tool, which allows users to find tariff information on specific industrial goods covered under the U.S. FTAs. The tool shows the tariff applied on the date the FTA enters into force and the rates each subsequent year as the tariffs are eliminated under the agreement.

• www.export.gov  -- This tool offers workshops for businesses ready to leap into the international market. It helps more mature businesses expand their exports as well as those who are just getting started.

U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk met Tuesday with faculty and students from Governor Scott’s Gubernatorial Fellows Class.

The Gubernatorial Fellows Program, the state equivalent of the White House Fellows program, is a leadership opportunity for Florida’s next generation to gain firsthand experience in state government. All fellows are embarking on careers in government and politics.

The meeting focused on jobs, trade, and the economy. The Fellows asked the Ambassador about exports, manufacturing, and the energy sector. The Ambassador highlighted the benefits of increased trade and export opportunities. He noted that, “If you trade right, you can have cheaper t-shirts and laptops and still have jobs.” He also mentioned that the goal for the United States is to be one of the world’s biggest exporters.

Finally, Ambassador Kirk commented on the importance of public service, and applauded the Gubernatorial Fellows Program for their interest in public service.

Last Friday, Ambassador Kirk, the U.S. Trade Representative, visited Houston to discuss the benefits of trade with local officials and business and civic leaders. The visit came just one day after the U.S.-Korea trade agreement entered into force and opened Korea’s $1 trillion market to U.S. products.

Texas is already one of the main exporters to Korea with an average of over $5 billion a year in recent years. Texas’ top exports to Korea -- including chemicals and machinery -- will see substantial immediate benefits from the agreement. It is estimated that the Korea trade agreement will increase overall U.S. exports to Korea by at least $11 billion.

Ambassador Kirk first stopped at the Port of Houston, where he toured the Ship Channel and Turning Basin. Port officials provided an overview of the Port’s vital role in trade and distributing goods from Texas around the world. 

 Interim Director of the Port Authority Colonel Leonard Waterworth, Mayor Pro-Tem of the City of Houston Ed Gonzlez, Congresswoman Jackson Lee, Commissioner Lanier and Ambassador Ron Kirk

The Ambassador also discussed increased trade opportunities offered by the pending expansion of the Panama Canal. Currently, approximately two-thirds of the Panama Canal’s annual transits are bound to or from U.S. ports. The U.S. Panama trade agreement and the expanded canal represent an important opportunity for the United States – both in terms of volume/transits and the larger ships that will be able to pass through. 

  Ambassador Kirk delivering the keynote address to the Greater Houston Partnernship (GHP)

Following the Port tour, the Ambassador delivered a keynote address to the Greater Houston Partnership (GHP), where he also participated in a question and answer session. In his speech, Ambassador Kirk referenced President Obama’s Blueprint for An America Built to Last, and discussed how trade benefits American companies and American workers. He highlighted efforts to create a level playing field for U.S. exporters through strong trade enforcement actions, including the President’s creation of an Interagency Trade Enforcement Center (ITEC) and last week’s announcement of a new case against China’s export restraints on rare earth minerals.

The Ambassador closed his day by attending a White House Roundtable Discussion co-hosted with the City of Houston and Mayor Pro-Tem Ed Gonzalez. Attended by other local elected officials, the discussion focused on the job-supporting benefits of trade to grow Houston’s economy.

                        Ambassador Kirk with Congresswoman Jackson Lee (left) & Commissioner Lanier (center)

American stakeholers are applauding the entry into force of the U.S.-Korea trade agreement. At President Obama’s direction, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative worked with Congress, stakeholders, and the Korean government to address outstanding issues with the agreement and win its overwhelming bipartisan approval in Congress last fall. Today, thousands of tariffs on U.S. exports to Korea will be eliminated, non-tariff barriers to U.S. goods and services will come down, and new protections will come into place for U.S. exporters, investors, and intellectual property rights holders.

Here is a sampling of what they are saying so far:

Korea Business Council

National Milk Producers Federation

National Association of Manufacturers

National Association of Wheat Growers

U.S. Dairy Export Council

Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S.

On Thursday, USTR’s partners across government applauded the entry into force of the U.S.-Korea trade agreement.

At President Obama’s direction, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative worked with Congress, stakeholders, and the Korean government to address outstanding issues with the agreement and win its overwhelming bipartisan approval in Congress last fall. Today, thousands of tariffs on U.S. exports to Korea will be eliminated, non-tariff barriers to U.S. goods and services will come down, and new protections will come into place for U.S. exporters, investors, and intellectual property rights holders.

What some of our government leaders are saying so far:

“Not only will the agreement provide a significant economic boost to both of our economies, it will strengthen the U.S. partnership with a key ally in a strategically important region. This is a powerful signal of America's commitment to the Asia Pacific and to securing and sustaining our role as a regional leader and Pacific power.” -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

“Today is a monumental day for American farmers and ranchers. Under the new U.S.-Korea trade agreement, two-thirds of the tariffs imposed on U.S. food and agricultural products exported to South Korea are being eliminated.” -- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack

“This agreement will help open up access to the world’s 12th-largest economy by eliminating Korea’s tariffs on almost 80 percent of U.S. exports of industrial goods on entry into force. It will bolster the continued expansion of U.S. exports, which supported an increase in 1.2 million jobs from 2009 to 2011. In short, it will present real and immediate new opportunities (PDF) for U.S. exporters seeking to enter or expand their presence in the Korean market.” -- U.S. Commerce Secretary John Bryson

“Made in America” goods will gain easier entrance into the Korean market thanks to the US-Korea trade agreement terms. The agreement will eliminate tariffs on over 95 percent of industrial and consumer goods within five years.” -- Small Business Administrator Karen Mills

On Thursday, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Miriam Sapiro delivered the keynote address at an event hosted by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF). The event focused on the economic importance of the Information Technology Agreement (ITA), and why its expansion will help fuel economic growth, drive innovation, and create jobs in the United States and globally. Former U.S. Trade Representatives, Ambassadors Susan Schwab and Charlene Barshefsky also spoke at the event.

A new report by ITIF found that expanding the ITA would increase U.S. exports of information and communication technology (ICT) products by $2.8 billion, support 60,000 new U.S. jobs and boost global GDP by $190 billion annually.

Ambassador Sapiro noted that “the Obama Administration is working hard to build support for expanding both ITA product coverage and membership.” She went on to say that “the time for ITA Participants to negotiate an expansion to the Agreement is right, but we have to frame the negotiations for success.”

The Ministerial Declaration on Trade in Information Technology Products, better known as the ITA, was concluded by 29 participants in December 1996, and entered into force in 1997. The agreement removed tariffs on eight categories of ICT products and has been a catalyst for expanding trade and investment in the global technology market. As a result, from 1996 to 2008, global trade in ICT products increased from $1.2 trillion to $4.0 trillion. Today, 73 WTO Members and States or separate customs territories are signatories of the ITA.

U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk met today with Panamanian Commerce and Industry Minister Ricardo Quijano to discuss progress on the implementation of the U.S.-Panama trade agreement. Ambassador Kirk highlighted the importance of Panama as a vital commercial partner and cited the pending expansion of the Panama Canal as a critical opportunity for increased trade to support American jobs. Both Ambassador Kirk and Minister Quijano agreed to continue working intensively to bring the Agreement into force as quickly as possible, while ensuring that all obligations are fully met.

Ambassador Kirk meets with Panamanian Commerce and industry Minister Quijano

Efforts are proceeding with a sense of urgency as both the United States and Panama are eager to seize the benefits of a win-win agreement that will enhance both trade between and jobs in our countries. For U.S. exporters, the benefits are clear: the U.S.-Panama trade agreement creates significant liberalization of trade in goods and services, including financial services.

Nearly 90 percent of U.S. exports of consumer and industrial products to Panama will be duty-free immediately upon entry into force of the agreement, with remaining tariffs on these products phased out over ten years. The agreement also provides for immediate duty-free treatment for over half of U.S. agricultural exports to Panama (by value) with duties on most other agricultural goods phased out between 5 to 12 years and 15 to 20 years on certain agricultural products.

Along with these tariff reductions, the agreement includes important disciplines relating to customs administration and trade facilitation, technical barriers to trade, government procurement, investment, telecommunications, electronic commerce, intellectual property rights, and labor and environmental protection. All of these measures will create a level playing field for U.S. exporters competing in Panama’s critical market.

Elected officials and industry leaders are applauding the Obama Administration for filing a complaint against China at the World Trade Organization (WTO) concerning China’s unfair export restraints on rare earths, as well as tungsten and molybdenum. These materials are key inputs in a multitude of U.S made-products and American manufacturing sectors, including hybrid car batteries, wind turbines, energy-efficient lighting, steel, advanced electronics, automobiles, petroleum, and chemicals.

See what people are saying so far:

Congressmen Dave Camp (R-MI) and Kevin Brady (R-TX)

Congressmen Sander Levin (D-MI) and Jim McDermott (D-WA)

U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.)

Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)

Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)

Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)

United Steelworkers

U.S.-China Business Council (USCBC)

American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI)

Read the full press release.

Two years into the Obama Administration’s National Export Initiative, the United States is on track to meet President Obama’s goal of doubling U.S. exports by the end of 2014. In 2011, overall U.S. goods and services exports exceeded $2.1 trillion. U.S. exports have increased at an annualized rate of 15.6 percent – a pace greater than the 15 percent required annually to meet the President’s goal.

And according to a new Brookings Institute study released last week, “Export Nation 2012”, U.S. metropolitan areas are driving national export growth and jobs supported by trade. The metro areas of New York NY -Newark NJ, Los Angeles-Long Beach CA, Chicago-Naperville-Joliet IL, and Dallas-Forth Worth-Arlington and Houston TX were the top five ranking areas for export-supported jobs. According to Brookings, in terms of job creation, the rapid growth of U.S. export sales translated into significant job gains in 2010, with the United States adding 600,000 new export-supported jobs. This means job gains not only in the exporting industries themselves, but also for the suppliers to the exporting sector ,as well as the transportation and wholesale trade businesses hauling merchandise exports around the country.

Midwestern metros in particular experienced most of their export growth from manufacturing industries. In Milwaukee-Waukesha WI and Youngstown OH, for example, manufacturing contributed more than 90 percent of the metro export sales growth in the first year of recovery 2009-2010, in the leading industries of machinery and transportation equipment.

At the Brookings Export Nation forum, Deputy Assistant USTR for Small Business Market Access and Industrial Competitiveness Christina Sevilla met with city and state officials who are developing customized strategies to power their local economies through exports based on Brookings findings - including exports by small U.S. companies into big foreign markets being opened by new U.S. Free Trade Agreements. Carlos Valderrama , Senior Vice President at the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, remarked that his region’s strategy includes targeting export-ready firms to enter markets where the U.S. has negotiated Free Trade Agreements. Mr. Valderrama notes that California companies are “targeting the Pacific Rim and Latin American countries where the U.S. has more than 15 FTAs. This is a great advantage for us, since our exporters want to do business with countries where we have the umbrella of an international agreement,” since the FTAs open the foreign market to U.S. goods and services and help ensure that foreign governments play by the rules.

Katie Clark, Executive Director of the Minnesota Trade Office, sees small companies in the Minneapolis –St. Paul area benefitting from trade with large new FTA partners like Korea. Ms. Clark noted that the Governor’s recent trade mission to Seoul helped Earth Clean, a small Minneapolis-based company that makes biodegradable fire retardants, make a $4.3 million sale to a Seoul-based distributor. Ms. Clark said, “we would like to see even more small Minnesota businesses like Earth Clean sell products in Korea.”

On Monday, Ambassador Kirk met with Finnish Minister of European Affairs and Foreign Trade Alexander Stubb to discuss increasing trade and investment initiatives that promote jobs, growth, and competitiveness in the U.S. and the EU. The main topic of discussion centered around the U.S.-EU High Level Working Group on Jobs and Growth, an initiative announced by Leaders in November 2011. Co-chaired by Ambassador Kirk, the Working Group will identify and assess options for strengthening the U.S.-EU economic relationship, including ways to generate more transatlantic trade and investment that supports job growth.

On Thursday, Ambassador Kirk met with distinguished scholars, and faculty from the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University.

The discussion began with comments on the American economy and its changing role in trade. The Ambassador noted that "the biggest force in the world is the American consumer." With regards to the U.S.'s open economy, he said that "the more we get out of the way, the better you are," in reference to lowering trade barriers that place added burdens on the consumer.

 Ambassador Kirk meets with students from Southern Methodist University's Cox School of Business

As the U.S. seeks to engage in more trade agreements, Ambassador Kirk said that a free trade agreement is a great validator because it signifies that a country is a good place to do business and is held to high standards in products and services.

Answering a question about intellectual property, the Ambassador commented that it is important to negotiate the strongest IP standards possible in order to protect American products, and those of other countries. Responding to a question on the European Union and its effects on the U.S. economy, Ambassador Kirk noting that "our foreign direct investment in Brussels is twice what it is in China," and that the U.S.'s largest trade relationship is with Europe. At the same time, the Ambassador said that trade with Europe should not limit the U.S.'s relationships to trans-Atlantic trade, but should also incorporate other countries, such as those involved in the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

The Ambassador discussed the impact of natural gas on the U.S. economy and its potential to decrease dependence on external energy sources. Echoing the President's State of the Union blueprint, Ambassador Kirk noted that investment in natural gas would create substantial job opportunities for Americans. The Ambassador concluded by signaling America's potential to become net exporters as emerging economies open their economies and are able to purchase American products.

A nationally ranked private university with seven degree-granting schools, SMU is located in the heart of Dallas and is home to 11,000 students. The SMU Cox School of Business is consistently ranked as a top business school in the nation and around the world. The Cox School was founded in 1920 as the Department of Commerce at SMU, at the request of the Dallas business community.

Today Ambassador Kirk participated in a panel at the day-long White House Business Council, Council of Urban Professionals and Business Forward–Business Leader Forum. More than 150 diverse leaders attended the forum, which was hosted by Senior Advisor to the President Valerie Jarrett and Chairman and CEO of Ariel Investments John Rogers. The purpose of the forum was to build relationships with local leaders in the private sector and discuss how the Obama Administration can help the private sector create more jobs and grow the economy.

Ambassador Kirk, along with the Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economic Affairs, Michael Froman, Treasury Under Secretary for International Affairs Lael Brainard, and Deputy SBA Administrator Marie Johns, held a panel focused on U.S. policies to facilitate competition in a global economy. The discussion was moderated by the White House Deputy Director of Public Engagement, Greg Nelson.

During the discussion, Ambassador Kirk talked about the benefits of increased trade and export opportunities, and how they can help businesses of all sizes become more competitive in the global economy. Ambassador Kirk highlighted the benefits of the new U.S.-Korea trade agreement, which will go into effect on March 15 and immediately eliminate tariffs on 80 percent of U.S. exports of industrial products to Korea. This means that American exporters will have greater opportunities in the South Korean market, which will help grow the economy and create jobs here at home.

Ambassador Kirk also discussed the ambitious Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement, which is currently in the 11th round of negotiations in Melbourne, Australia. The TPP will give American businesses unprecedented access to new markets in the Asia-Pacific region, resulting in more export opportunities in one of the fastest growing areas of the world. This will help American businesses expand, and fulfill their goal of creating more jobs for American workers.

Finally, Ambassador Kirk and the panel answered questions on how to increase technology and services exports to Asia, the changing dynamics in the Chinese market and how facilitating trade helps U.S. businesses reach the 95% of the world’s consumers living outside the U.S.

U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk met today with Canadian Trade Minister Ed Fast to discuss Canada’s interest in joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations.

Ambassador Kirk and Minister Fast discussed each government’s engagement with its domestic stakeholders and consultations with other TPP partners on Canada’s interest in joining the TPP talks.

Ambassador Kirk and Canadian Minister Fast Meet in Washington, DC

The United States, along with Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam, are working to craft a high-standard agreement that addresses new and emerging trade issues and 21st-century challenges through the TPP. In November 2011, Canada expressed its interest in joining the TPP negotiations. Canada and the United States, along with Mexico, are members of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which entered into force in 1994. Canada is the United States’ largest export market, with exports increasing over 12 percent in 2011.

The top U.S. exports to Canada in 2011 were vehicles, machinery, electrical machinery, mineral fuel and oil, and plastic. Additionally, the U.S. exported $19 billion worth of agricultural products to Canada in 2011, including fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, red meats, and snack food.

The United States and Canada are scheduled to meet later this month for further discussions.

By Mary Ryckman, Senior Policy Advisor for Trade and Development -- Women's Issues

President Obama has proclaimed March to be Women’s History Month. And, today, people around the world are observing International Women’s Day. In honor of these events, I’d like to share how and why U.S. trade policy helps women work and succeed in global markets, which supports jobs here at home.

Increasing the participation of women in the workforce addresses basic issues of fairness while producing positive economic benefits. For example, there is a direct link between increased female labor participation and growth: UNWOMEN reports that gross domestic product (GDP) would be 9 percent higher in the United States, 13 percent higher in Europe and 16 percent higher in Japan, if women had work opportunities on par with men. In addition, helping women to be active in the economy is an investment in our future. Women disproportionately spend more of their earned income on food, healthcare, home improvement, and schooling – helping families raise the next generation of productive workers.

With these benefits in mind, let’s explore some of the ways in which U.S. trade policy helps women seize more economic opportunities.

Let’s start with the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), a program that provides enhanced access for developing countries' exports into the United States. Women comprise much of the labor force in many of these countries, both in larger-scale manufacturing operations and in the home. Programs like GSP give women in developing countries more economic opportunities through trade. In turn, their efforts help to build better markets for U.S. exports that support American jobs.

Next, let’s look at the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a program that provides preferential access to the U.S. market for imports from eligible sub-Saharan African countries. AGOA has helped to create thousands of jobs in the African apparel sector, and about ninety percent of these jobs have gone to women in places where there are few other ways of earning an income in the formal sector. AGOA additionally provides opportunities for preferential access to the U.S. market for value added agricultural products from sub-Saharan Africa, such as cassava flour, tomato paste, nuts, jams, jellies, and other food products. As about eighty percent of sub-Saharan African farmers are smallholders, and the majority of these smallholder farmers are women, the preferences AGOA provides for agricultural products can go a long way to enhance the participation of women in the economy through trade.

In addition to supporting GSP and AGOA, we are taking positive steps with Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies to help more women work and succeed through trade.

Last September, the U.S. hosted the APEC Women in the Economy Summit (WES) as “the premier event” to bring together senior private and public sector representatives for a dialogue on fostering women's economic empowerment among the APEC economies. Women entrepreneurs and business owners from all over the country attended to make policy recommendations to the Administration. This meeting culminated in a Declaration that committed the twenty APEC economies to continue work to advance women’s access to markets, capital, capacity building, and other training opportunities across the Asia-Pacific region.

You can find more information here on the Administration's full record of support for women.

During Wednesday’s Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiating session in Melbourne, Australia, negotiators continued to discuss financial services, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, legal issues, rules of origin, environment, telecommunications, competition, non-conforming measures, government procurement, and intellectual property rights.

Negotiators also began discussions on e-commerce, market access, and customs issues.

In addition to today’s negotiations, TPP chief negotiators from each economy participated in a stakeholder briefing to discuss the status of negotiations. This open forum, hosted by Australia, provided approximately 250 stakeholders an on-site opportunity to discuss issues of interest in the negotiations. The chief negotiators noted that good progress is being made across the negotiating groups.

Today U.S. Trade Representative Kirk is testifying on the President’s 2012 Trade Agenda before the Senate Finance Committee. You can watch the hearing live on the Committee’s website starting at 10:00 a.m. EST.

On Monday, Ambassador Kirk addressed the National Association of Counties (NACo) meeting in Washington, D.C. At the meeting, he spoke with members of the International Economic Development Task Force about the importance of trade in boasting America’s economy.

Ambassador Kirk highlighted several key points that President Obama made in his State of the Union address, including the new Interagency Trade Enforcement Center (ITEC). The President signed an Executive Order last week creating the ITEC to protect American workers and businesses by ensuring that our trading partners play by the rules.

Ambassador Kirk said that “we aren’t fighting for American workers when other countries are creating an uneven playing field.” He noted that American business leaders have not asked for an advantage in the global markets, but want a fair playing field where they can operate their businesses. As Ambassador Kirk states frequently, “trade only works if everyone plays by the same rules.”

Ambassador Kirk discussed several other important trade topics, including the impact of the U.S.-Korea Trade Agreement that enters into force next week, on March 15. He also announced spoke about Business USA, a new tool for small- and medium-sized businesses, and the importance of infrastructure for economy.

The National Association of Counties (NACo) is the only national organization representing county government. NACo's Board of Directors represents counties across America and county leaders develop and shape the association's mission and goals.

Negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement continued on Tuesday in Melbourne, Australia. Negotiators held talks on financial services, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, legal issues, rules of origin, and intellectual property rights.

In addition, negotiators began to discuss issues relating to the environment, telecommunications, competition, non-conforming measures, and government procurement.

Today, at the 11th round of Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations in Melbourne, Australia, negotiators focused on legal issues, financial services, temporary entry, regulatory cooperation and trade capacity building, rules of origin, and labor issues.

Negotiators also began discussions on sanitary and phytosanitary measures.

Today, the United States and other Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) partners concluded a fourth day of talks in Melbourne, Australia. Negotiations focused on financial services, investment, temporary entry, and trade remedies. Negotiators also began discussions on regulatory cooperation and trade capacity building.

In addition to today’s negotiations, Australia, the host for the round of negotiations, provided stakeholders on-site the opportunity to share their views directly to the TPP negotiating teams. Approximately 250 stakeholders from a wide range of industry, civil society, and other groups attended, with at least 38 groups making presentations. The presentation schedule is listed below.

In Saturday’s session of TPP negotiations in Melbourne, Australia, expert-level negotiations continued on legal issues, investment, technical barriers to trade, rules of origin, intellectual property rights, labor, and horizontal issues.

Tomorrow, on-site stakeholders will be given the opportunity to present their views on the agreement directly to TPP negotiation teams. Approximately 250 stakeholders from Australia, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Vietnam, and the United States will be attending.

On Friday, Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiators from the United States, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam continued talks for the 11th round of TPP in Melbourne, Australia. Today’s negotiations focused on horizontal issues, investment, technical barriers to trade, labor, intellectual property rights, rules of origin, and legal issues.

The negotiations began on Thursday, when negotiators covered a broad range of topics including horizontal issues such as investment, technical barriers to trade, labor, intellectual property rights, rules of origin, and legal issues.

The goal of the TPP is to create an ambitious, 21st-century agreement that will enhance trade and investment among the TPP partner countries, promote innovation, economic growth and development, and support the creation and retention of jobs. The Asia-Pacific region is home to some of the fastest growing economies in the world, and TPP will help open more markets to American businesses and exports.

Specifically, the TPP will feature new cross-cutting issues not previously included in trade agreements. In addition, the agreement focuses on integrating small- and medium-sized businesses more competitively to regional supply chains. Additional export opportunities for American businesses can help create more job opportunities for American workers, and will help grow the American economy.

Elected officials from across the country are applauding the President’s executive order establishing the Interagency Trade Enforcement Center.  After the President’s announcement this week, U. S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk and Secretary of Commerce John Bryson welcomed the establishment of the unit. 

Below is a sampling of what they’re saying so far.

Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)

Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)

Congressman Jim McDermott (D-WA)

Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Sander Levin (D-MI) and Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Jim McDermott (D-WA)

Congressman John Dingell (D-MI)

Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis today completed two days of consultations on ways to expand and further improve the bilateral trade relationship with the Philippines. In his meetings with Finance Secretary Purisima and Trade and Industry Secretary Domingo, Ambassador Marantis expressed support for President Aquino's anti-corruption initiatives, as well as U.S. interest in continuing to expand engagement and finding new avenues of cooperation under the auspices of the bilateral U.S.-Philippines Trade and Investment Framework Agreement.

Ambassador Marantis reiterated U.S. willingness to work with the Philippines as it explores potential future participation in the nine-member Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement, a priority trade initiative of the Obama Administration and the key platform for U.S. economic engagement in the Asia-Pacific. He noted that the United States is prepared to undertake bilateral initiatives, such as the bilateral customs administration and trade facilitation agreement signed last November, that can serve as building blocks toward Philippine participation in the TPP.

Ambassador Marantis also highlighted the work the United States is undertaking in the Partnership for Growth (PFG), and that through the PFG, the United States can assist the Philippine government in policy reforms it is pursuing, including ones that could serve as building blocks toward participation in the TPP. PFG is a key development initiative of the Obama Administration and the Philippines is one of only four countries, and the only Asian country, in the PFG.

With Agriculture Secretary Alcala, Ambassador Marantis pointed to the expanding multi-billion dollar agricultural trade relationship between the United States and the Philippines. He stressed the importance of finding a mutually beneficial solution to trade disruptions affecting the meat sector as soon as possible.

Ambassador Marantis also met with Justice Undersecretary Baraan where they discussed steps being taken by the Philippine government in addressing the issues raised in the ongoing GSP review of worker rights in the Philippines, including the prosecution of cases involving the killing and harassment of labor leaders.

Ambassador Marantis also called on Senator Edgardo Angara and Congressman Rufus Rodriguez, where he highlighted the importance of the bilateral trade relationship and conveyed U.S. interest in, and commitment to, continue working with the Philippines to elevate the relationship and find new avenues of cooperation.

U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk is testifying before the House Committee on Ways & Means this morning. You can watch the hearing live on the Committee’s website starting at 10:00 a.m. EST.

Ambassador Kirk and Secretary Bryson just released this statement welcoming President Obama’s signature of an Executive Order officially launching the Interagency Trade Enforcement Center (ITEC). President Obama first announced that he would create this new trade enforcement center in his State of the Union address.

Trade enforcement has been a consistent priority of the Obama Administration. For example, we have brought cases against China in the World Trade Organization (WTO) at essentially twice the rate of the previous seven years. The ITEC will build upon this strong track record and continue to level the playing field for American workers and businesses by bringing a more aggressive “whole-of-government” approach to addressing unfair trade practices.

By increasing the resources devoted exclusively to trade enforcement, as well as leveraging existing resources more efficiently across the Administration, ITEC will significantly enhance our capabilities to challenge unfair trade practices around the world. A more level playing field will enable American exporters to create more jobs in the United States and hire more workers here at home.

As Ambassador Kirk stated earlier today, “President Obama and I have been very clear from day one that we will not hesitate to fight for every American job, every dollar worth of U.S. exports, and every chance for American producers to compete that depends on having a level playing field in global markets. As with every enforcement action, our goal here is to get real results for American exporters and support American jobs that depend on trade. The ITEC will help us do that in unprecedented ways.”

You can learn more about the ITEC from President Obama’s Executive Order.

Today, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis began a two-day visit to Manila, Philippines, by delivering the keynote address to a combined audience of U.S. and Filipino business leaders, including the Management Association of the Philippines, the Makati Business Club, and the American Chamber of Commerce. The Philippine Ambassador to the United States, Jose Cuisa, also addressed the audience and participated in a question and answer session alongside Ambassador Marantis.

In his speech, "Charting a Future Course for an Historic Trade Relationship," Marantis expressed optimism about prospects for expanded U.S. trade and investment with the Philippines, a longtime trading partner and strategic ally in Asia. He highlighted current themes of our bilateral trade engagement, noting the recent agreement by the United States and the Philippines on customs cooperation and trade facilitation. He also called attention to the importance of President Aquino's efforts to fight corruption and create the right conditions for sustained broad-based economic growth, which the United States is supporting through the Partnership for Growth program of development assistance. He stressed the importance of improvements in the intellectual property environment and pressed for the resolution of non-tariff barriers affecting our meat trade as positive steps to improve our bilateral trade and investment relationship.

During the speech, Ambassador Marantis highlighted progress being made in negotiating the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a high standard, broad-based regional trade agreement that will be the key platform for future U.S. economic engagement in the Asia-Pacific region. The Philippines has expressed interest in potentially joining TPP at some point in the future, although it is not currently part of the initiative. Ambassador Marantis expressed U.S. willingness to be helpful as the Philippines considers potential participation, both in explaining potential obligations and in creating building blocks to potential membership.

Ambassador Marantis also began a series of consultations with the Aquino Administration, Members of Congress, and business leaders today in Manila. Details of these meetings will follow in tomorrow's post.

On Sunday, Ambassador Kirk attended the annual Southern Governors’ Association (SGA) Winter Business Meeting in Washington, D.C. Puerto Rico Governor and SGA Chairman Luis Fortuño introduced Ambassador Kirk. .

Ambassador Kirk highlighted President Obama’s recent State of the Union address by discussing the implementation and enforcement of the three pending trade agreements. pecifically, he spoke about creating a level playing field for American businesses as new markets open for American products. Ambassador Kirk also noted that the implementation date for the U.S.-Korea trade agreement is March 15. In addition, the U.S. government is meeting with Colombian and Panamanian governments to review the obligations of their respective trade agreements, and ensuring that the necessary laws and regulations go into effect.

Ambassador Kirk discussed how the trade agreements will benefit Americans here at home, including how U.S. jobs will be supported by increased exports to Korea, Panama, and Colombia once the agreements take effect. , Ambassador Kirk also noted that on the first day that the U.S.-Korea trade agreement goes into effect, almost 80 percent of U.S. exports of industrial products and almost two-thirds of agricultural products to Korea will become duty-free.

Furthermore, Ambassador Kirk touched on the importance of expanding trade to Latin America, noting that Chile and Peru are two of our partners in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

The Ambassador concluded by stating: “strong trade enforcement and market-opening measures will boost U.S. exports and jobs in your communities. That’s the bottom line. As you work to attract job-building trade and investment to your states, we are working to keep U.S. producers globally competitive around the world.”

On Friday, February 27, Ambassador Kirk attended the Washington International Trade Association’s annual Governors and Ambassadors Reception. Billed as the event where “state affairs meet global affairs,” the evening offered opportunities for state leaders to interact with representatives from countries around the world. Ambassador Kirk spoke with several governors in attendance including Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear and Washington Governor Christine Gregoire.

Ambassador Kirk thanked everyone in the audience for supporting the Obama Administration’s historic trade achievements in 2011 including passage of legislation approving trade agreements with Korea, Colombia, and Panama as well as the renewal of Trade Adjustment Assistance and trade preference programs. The Ambassador also highlighted a busy trade agenda for 2012 with goals such as concluding an ambitious Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement, securing legislation to authorize permanent normal trade relations for Russia as it joins the World Trade Organization (WTO), and a continuing a strong focus on trade enforcement.

Ambassador Kirk also honored Singapore Ambassador Chan Hang Chee, who will be returning home this summer after 16 years representing Singapore in the United States. “Ambassador Chan was integral to the successful negotiation and passage of the United States-Singapore trade agreement in 2003 and is playing a similarly key role in the TPP negotiations,” said Ambassador Kirk. “Here in Washington, she is one of the brightest stars of the diplomatic corps. She is well-known around town as an extraordinarily effective and capable envoy. And she is highly respected as an intellectual leader on all issues related to the Asia-Pacific, including trade.”

New Zealand Ambassador Michael Moore spoke on behalf of TPP countries Australia, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam. He stressed that there is consensus among TPP partners to set high standards for market access across all major sectors. At the same time, he said, TPP partners envision and welcome the potential for TPP to grow as new partners demonstrate a willingness and ability to meet the high standards for TPP.

Deputy United States Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis continued his visit to Southeast Asia with a wide range of meetings in Brunei on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and other bilateral trade and investment issues. Brunei is one of the nine members of the TPP.

Ambassador Marantis held a broad discussion of the U.S.-Brunei trade and investment relationship today with Prince Mohamed, Brunei's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Ambassador Marantis highlighted the importance of joint efforts to conclude the high-standard TPP, per the goal set by President Obama, the Sultan, and the seven other TPP leaders at the APEC meetings in Honolulu last November. He also looked forward to further positive cooperation with Brunei on bilateral, ASEAN, and APEC issues.

During his two day visit to Brunei, Ambassador Marantis also met with senior government officials responsible for TPP issues, including Minister of Development Pehin Suyoi, Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Roselan, Deputy Finance Minister Dato Bahrin, and Home Affairs Permanent Secretary Dato Majid. In addition, Ambassador Marantis met with Brunei's chief TPP negotiator, Dato Jock Hoi, where he engaged in comprehensive discussions on the full range of issues being considered as part of the TPP. He underscored the importance of ambitious outcomes in key areas such as labor, environment, and intellectual property rights. He called attention to the need for improved market access offers, including in important sectors of services and investment.

Ambassador Marantis and Brunei's chief TPP negotiator, Dato Jock Hoi

 
Ambassador Marantis, Home Affairs Permanent Secretary Dato Majid and U.S. Ambassador Dan Shields

Ambassador Marantis also had the opportunity to engage with representatives of the U.S. business community in Brunei, and expressed optimism about further growth in bilateral trade and investment as Brunei continues to open and diversify its economy.

Ambassador Marantis is now headed to Manila, where he will discuss the range of issues affecting the U.S.-Philippines bilateral trade relationship.

Deputy United States Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis today concluded a three-day visit to Hanoi where he discussed ways to advance the growing trade and economic relationship between the United States and Vietnam bilaterally and in the context of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

Ambassador Marantis met today with Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh, where he discussed how the United States and Vietnam are working together to realize the goal set in November 2011 by President Obama, President Sang, and the other seven TPP leaders to dedicate the resources necessary to conclude this landmark agreement as rapidly as possible. They also reviewed the positive trend in the overall economic and trade relationship, highlighting the impressive growth of nearly 20 percent in two way bilateral trade in 2011. Both committed to redoubling efforts to address bilateral trade challenges as they arise.

Ambassador Marantis and Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh

Ambassador Marantis also met with a number of key Ministries responsible for issues under negotiation in TPP. With Ministry of Information and Communications Vice Minister Nguyen Thanh Hung, Ambassador Marantis underscored the importance of making strides in the area of telecommunications and e-commerce, including promoting free data flows. With Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Vice Minister Bui Ba Bong, Ambassador Marantis pressed to improve market access for agricultural products and urged Vietnam to lift its ban on offals as quickly as possible. Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Ambassador Marantis focused on the tremendous growth in bilateral trade and investment since the 2001 entry into force of the U.S.-Vietnam BTA.

From Vietnam, Ambassador Marantis will travel to Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, and Manila, Philippines as part of an extended Southeast Asia visit to discuss bilateral trade and investment issues and the TPP.

On February 21, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam, for three days of meetings with senior Vietnamese government officials to discuss issues of importance in our bilateral trade and investment relationship, and issues relating to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations.

Ambassador Marantis began his visit by meeting with Vietnam's Vice Minister for Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs, Nguyen Thanh Hoa, where he discussed anticipated revisions to Vietnam's labor and trade union laws in the context of the TPP.

Ambassador Marantis next met with Vice Minister of Public Security To Lam, where he discussed the importance of our strong bilateral relationship, and addressed issues of concern to the United States, including the blocking of Internet service providers, and the connection between our trade relations and Vietnam's human rights position.

In a meeting with the Minister of Industry and Trade, Vu Huy Hoang, Ambassador Marantis discussed the opportunities offered by the TPP and reviewed a number of key issues under negotiation, including market access for goods and services, investment, and e-commerce. The two sides also discussed outstanding bilateral trade issues, including market access for U.S. exports of variety meat products.

Ambassador Marantis concluded his first day by attending a reception hosted by the American Chambers of Commerce of Hanoi and Singapore, where he gave brief remarks alongside U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam David Shear, and U.S. Ambassador to Singapore David Adelman.

On Tuesday, Ambassador Kirk hosted a roundtable discussion with members of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). The roundtable focused on the importance of manufacturing and trade, as President Obama laid out in his Blueprint for An America Built to Last. The Ambassador commented on NAM’s recognition of the benefits of trade and how trade contributes to American job creation. The companies that participated in the roundtable covered a wide range of products, from chemicals to rare metals to paper.

Ambassador Kirk discussed USTR’s accomplishments and ongoing initiatives designed to open new markets for manufacturing exports. He noted that the percentage of global manufacturing has not changed in the past 20 years, signifying that U.S. manufacturing presence has not diminished. Ambassador Kirk discussed how 2011 was a historic year for trade, as the United States successfully passed free trade agreements (FTAs) with South Korea, Panama, and Colombia. In 2011, 41 percent of U.S. goods exports went to FTA partner countries. Additionally, manufacturing exports to FTA partners increased by almost 17 percent within the last year.

Participants also shared ways that they have been able to utilize the FTAs to boost domestic production and in turn, invest domestically instead of internationally. Ambassador Kirk encouraged companies to “let us help you with the things you can’t do” regarding opening foreign markets to U.S. products and services.

In addition, Ambassador Kirk announced today that the U.S.-Korea trade agreement will take effect on March 15, 2012. Beginning March 15, almost 80 percent of U.S. exports of industrial products to Korea will become duty-free. This trade agreement with Korea opens up an economy of over $1 trillion to American manufacturers, businesses and farmers, and will help create many jobs here at home. This is significant for the manufacturing companies that face disadvantages when offering their products abroad, or have to pay substantial amounts for tariffs and customs when importing intermediary goods. Ambassador Kirk expressed that “we’re trying to strike the right balance” between opening and regulating markets, especially to prevent further disadvantages for American companies.

Another important initiative Ambassador Kirk discussed is the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). TPP will help open new markets to American manufacturers and make it easier for them to export their products to every corner of the globe.

The Ambassador reinforced President Obama’s commitment to growing America’s manufacturing industry in an effort to make it the most efficient and the most productive in the world. “There are a lot of things we can do in North America to increase our competitiveness,” part of which is “relying on U.S. ingenuity.”

Today, Ambassador Kirk traveled to Virginia to discuss job creation and President Obama’s “Blueprint for An America Built to Last” with local business and civic leaders. The first stop on the trip was Dominion Resources GreenTech Incubator (DRGI) in Ashland, where the Ambassador was greeted by Mayor Faye Prichard. During his visit, Ambassador Kirk toured the state of the art incubator facility with Charles Hartgrove, Town Manager of Ashland, and Robert Skunda, the President and Chairman of DRGI. The Ambassador spoke with several of the business owners about their plans to develop alternative and renewable energy products and create good jobs for American workers.

Ambassador Kirk also met with current and former members of DRGI, as well as other local officials in a small discussion on trade, jobs, and energy. In his remarks, Ambassador Kirk talked about President Obama’s State of the Union address and the blueprint the President laid out for the American economy. This included emphasis that over the past few years, renewable energy use has nearly doubled, and that in 2011, the United States reclaimed the position as the world’s leading investor in clean energy. Ambassador Kirk also stated that “the President challenged us to double exports, [and] we are ahead of pace to double exports by 2014.”

Ambassador Kirk answered questions on a range of issues, including ways to spur job creation. In another reference to the State of the Union address, Ambassador Kirk said that “the trade agreements will level the playing field, and this is especially important because a majority of exporters are small businesses.”

Founded in November 2009 by five founding partners, the Dominion Resources GreenTech Incubator (DRGI) seeks to attract clean energy innovators eager to accelerate the successful growth of their early stage businesses. Member companies of DRGI benefit from access to staff expertise and beta testing on the Dominion Resources power grid, business advisory boards, support services plus networking, educational programs, and physical space to work and operate. Bill Daughtrey, DRGI’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence, provides one-on-one mentoring and business consultation to member companies to prepare them for moving successfully from idea to a viable technology based business.

DRGI is managed by the Virginia Biosciences Development Center (VBDC). Over the past 15 years VBDC has successfully incubated nearly 70 biosciences companies in its incubation program at the Virginia BioTechnology Research Park. VBDC boasts of more than 40 graduates including three publicly traded companies.

Following the tour at DRGI, Ambassador Kirk participated in a State of the Union Roundtable event at the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce (GRCC). He was greeted by John Easter, Senior Vice President of Government & Community Affairs at the GRCC, and introduced by the Mayor of Richmond, Dwight C. Jones.

Ambassador Kirk’s remarks focused on jobs, trade, and the economy. His comments echoed the State of the Union address, in which the President focused on creating American jobs and opening new export possibilities with free trade agreements. The participants discussed how small to mid-size businesses can get involved in trade. The open conversation focused on key trade initiatives like the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), and the impacts and implementation of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS).

The GRCC includes nine jurisdictions of the Richmond Region, including the City of Richmond, the Town of Ashland, and the Counties of Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, Powhatan, and New Kent. The Greater Richmond Chamber monitors various legislative and regulatory matters at the local, state, and federal levels. The GRCC’s 2012 public policy priorities are transportation funding, workforce development, and early childhood investment. The President and CEO of the GRCC is Kim Scheeler.

The Richmond region is home to some of the world's most successful businesses, including a national and international mix of seven Fortune 500 and four Fortune 1000 companies. 

In the last decade, Brazil has been one of the fastest growing emerging markets. It is currently the largest economy in Latin America, and seventh largest in the world. This week’s trade spotlight highlights the importance of U.S.-Brazil trade relations and how the relationship benefits American farmers, ranchers, entrepreneurs, and workers.

As one of the fastest growing emerging markets, and a country that the International Monetary Fund projects is poised for continued growth, Brazil is an important trading partner for the United States. In 2010, U.S. goods and services trade with Brazil was $81 billion, with exports accounting for $52 billion and imports accounting for $29 billion. This resulted in a goods and services trade surplus of nearly $23 billion for 2010, a 61 percent increase from 2009.

Brazil is the 10th largest goods trading partner with the U.S., with goods trade surplus of more than $11 billion in 2010. Trade in services between the U.S. and Brazil totaled more than $21 billion in 2010. Additionally, the services surplus for the United States was more than $11 billion.

In 2010, Brazil was the United States’ 8th largest goods export market. U.S. goods exports to Brazil were more than $35 billion, a near 36 percent increase from 2009. Overall, U.S. exports to Brazil accounted for nearly 3 percent of total U.S. exports in 2010. The top U.S. exports to Brazil were machinery, aircraft, and electric machinery. Additionally, the U.S. exported $578 million worth of agricultural products to Brazil in 2010. The leading categories of agricultural exports were wheat, cotton, dairy products and sugars and sweeteners.

Because of this important trade relationship, American workers across the country are benefiting. For example in March 2011, WindStream Technologies, a New Albany, Indiana based alternative energy company, agreed to a $10 million deal with a Brazilian clean tech company to produce 30,000 wind turbines. These turbines will be distributed and used in Brazil. This agreement will help to create more than 100 new jobs in Indiana.

Additionally, Rhino Assembly Corporation, a small business in Charlotte, North Carolina, has developed a relationship with ASA Brazil, a tool and equipment distributor. This relationship has resulted in robust sales and the hiring of new employees in North Carolina.

The continued growth of the Brazilian economy provides an opportunity for increased consumption of American-made goods and services by Brazilian consumers. As a result, USTR is working to improve and grow the United States’ relationship with Brazil in an effort to help create new investment and export opportunities for American businesses and more jobs for workers here at home.

Earlier today, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Miriam Sapiro delivered the keynote speech at the mid-Winter meeting of the General Executive Board of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), the world’s largest entertainment union. Ambassador Sapiro focused her remarks on the Obama Administration’s successful efforts to combat intellectual property theft. She described the robust intellectual property provisions contained in recently approved U.S. trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea, as well as in the recently-signed Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA).

Ambassador Sapiro also underscored the important role the U.S. entertainment industry plays in creating and sustaining jobs in the United States, noting the $12 billion annual trade surplus that the United States runs in movies, television and other audiovisual services.

Following Thursday’s Council meeting of the United States-Mozambique Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) in Mozambique, on Friday, January 20, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis met with a group of U.S. and Mozambican company representatives. They discussed the investment climate, opportunities and challenges to doing business in Mozambique, and how Mozambican companies, including women owned small- and medium-sized businesses can export to the United States under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

After the meeting, Ambassador Marantis visited Pescas do Sul, a medium-sized seafood processing company in Maputo with a staff of about 60 employees. He discussed the importance of Mozambique complying with turtle excluder devices (TED) regulations so companies like Pescas do Sul can participate in the lucrative U.S. market for seafood products.

Today, Ambassador Ron Kirk spoke to the members of the International Affairs Standing Committee at the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) 80^th Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C.  Mayor Jean Quan, of Oakland, California and Chair of the International Standing Committee introduced him.

Ambassador Kirk discussed President Obama’s agenda to create jobs, noting that since the economic recovery began, there have been 22 straight months of private sector job creation.  This has resulted in 3.2 million new jobs for American workers.  “Manufacturing is not dead in America, manufacturing is alive,” stated Ambassador Kirk.  The manufacturing sector has seen remarkable growth, one of the strongest periods since the late 1990s, with 334,000 new jobs in the past two years.

Ambassador Kirk further commented that while progress has been made in some sectors, it is important to continue to invest in innovation, education, and infrastructure.  Further advancement in these sectors will reduce the deficit and rebuild communities all across the country.  Promoting trade is one such way to invest in our local communities.

Ambassador Kirk described key USTR initiatives to keep American producers and companies competitive—allowing job-supporting opportunities through trade.  This included working to implement trade agreements with Korea, Colombia, and Panama, and advancing negotiations for the Trans-Pacific Partnership.  USTR is also focused on the enforcement of trade agreements so they adhere to World Trade Organization (WTO) requirements and fostering increased trade with developing countries in Africa and Latin America .

The Ambassador concluded his remarks by highlighting President Obama’s “Insourcing American Jobs” event last week at the White House.  He encouraged America’s community leaders to express their needs in order to sustain strong and growing communities with better jobs for more Americans.

The USCM is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are more than 1,200 such cities in the country today, and each city is represented by its mayor. Mayors contribute to the development of national urban policy by serving on one or more of the Conference’s standing committees.

On January 18, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis traveled to Maputo, Mozambique to advance trade and investment relations between the United States and Mozambique. On January 19, Ambassador Marantis co-chaired, with Mozambican Minister of Industry and Commerce Armando Inroga, the third Council meeting of the United States-Mozambique Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA).

The TIFA Council works toward deepening and strengthening commercial ties, and facilitates a high-level dialogue to help increase commercial and investment opportunities by identifying and working to remove barriers to trade and investment flows between the United States and Mozambique.

Ambassador Marantis was joined at the TIFA Council meeting by U.S. Ambassador to Mozambique Leslie Rowe, and a U.S. delegation representing a number of agencies including the Departments of State and Agriculture, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), and the USAID-funded Southern Africa Trade Hub.

Ambassador Marantis Hosts TIFA Council Meeting

The TIFA Council meeting provided an opportunity to review progress, identify challenges, and develop specific steps and strategies to grow and diversify our bilateral trade and investment relationship with Mozambique. During the government-to-government meeting, officials from the United States and Mozambique explored common objectives, which included improving the utilization of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), increasing export diversification, improving the investment climate, and protecting intellectual property rights (IPR).

The TIFA Council also discussed Mozambique’s Millennium Challenge Account compact. In addition, officials discussed trade capacity building and U.S.-provided technical assistance to support and facilitate Mozambique’s continued progress and success.

Ambassador Marantis Makes Remarks during the TIFA Council Meeting

As a result of the deliberations, the two sides agreed to a number of follow-up actions, including a possible Mozambique trade mission to the United States on the margins of the AGOA forum in June; U.S. assistance to help promote AGOA diversification to apparel, fruit juice, and other value-added products; and U.S. assistance in implementation of an Intellectual Property (IP) strategy - including training judges, enacting a framework for geographic indicators, and a branding strategy for Mozambique. Additionally, we announced a USAID grant of up to $500,000 that will help Mozambique with trade facilitation.

Ambassador Marantis also visited the Maputo Clothing Company - a Mozambican firm that at one point exported apparel to the U.S. under AGOA, but is not presently doing so. The purpose of the visit was to understand the challenges that Mozambican exporters have had with AGOA and whether further technical assistance from our regional trade hubs would help exporters in Mozambique position themselves to make use of AGOA.

Ambassador Marantis Visits the Maputo Clothing Company

Following yesterday’s consultations under the U.S.-Mauritius Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA), Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis met with Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam. During their lengthy meeting, they discussed a number of issues regarding the U.S. economic relationship with Mauritius and the broader sub-Saharan region, including the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act’s (AGOA) third country fabric provision, the U.S.-Mauritius Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), regional integration, and the future of the U.S.-Africa trade and investment relationship beyond the current 2015 end of AGOA preferences.

Ambassador Marantis meets with Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam

Ambassador Marantis also delivered a speech, entitled “Paving the Way to Future Growth,” focused on U.S. trade policy for Mauritius and for the sub-Saharan Africa region more broadly. Ambassador Marantis gave the speech at an event hosted by the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry where he interacted with an audience of about 50 representatives from the business community, academia, and the Mauritian government.

Ambassador Marantis delivers a speech at an event sponsored by the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry 

Ambassador Marantis also held a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and International Trade Arvin Boolell, and Minister of Information and Communication Technology Tassarajen Pillay Chedumbrum on a range of bilateral trade issues, including U.S.-Mauritius cooperation in the critical information and communications technology (ICT) sector and on working more closely in World Trade Organization (WTO) trade facilitation negotiations.

In addition, Ambassador Marantis met with private sector representatives, and toured Plastinax Austral. Plastinax is an eyeglasses producer and one of the many Mauritian firms taking advantage of duty-free access to the U.S. market under AGOA. Due to growing exports to the United States and other markets over the last two years, Plastinax has almost doubled the number of its workers to 400.

Ambassador Marantis tours Plastinax Austral, an eyeglasses producer

Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis began a visit to Mauritius yesterday by leading a high-level U.S. delegation for talks with the Mauritian government under the U.S.-Mauritius Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA). The TIFA establishes a high level forum for advancing a cooperative partnership on trade and investment issues, and this was the fifth TIFA Council meeting with Mauritius. Ambassador Marantis and Mauritian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and International Trade Arvin Boolell, opened the meeting with a wide range of government and private sector participants. During the TIFA meeting, the two governments discussed a broad range of issues of importance to the bilateral U.S.-Mauritian trade and investment relationship, including the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the World Trade Organization (WTO) Doha negotiations and trade facilitation, the ongoing U.S.-Mauritius Bilateral Investment Treaty discussions, intellectual property rights, services trade, information communication and technology (ICT) principles, and trade capacity building, among other issues.

Ambassador Marantis and Minister Boolell open the U.S.-Mauritius Trade and Investment Framework Agreement Discussions

U.S. officials from the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) also participated in the meeting. The Mauritian TIFA delegation included government officials from a number of ministries with responsibility for various trade and investment issues on the agenda, as well as others representing industry associations and interests.

As a result of the TIFA discussions, the two governments agreed on a number of key issues, including conclusion of the BIT, negotiation of a joint statement on ICT principles, technical support on IPR, and development of a new AGOA strategy.

Ambassador Marantis and the TIFA delegation were also welcomed at a reception during which they had the opportunity to discuss the U.S.-Mauritius trade and investment relationship with government and U.S. and Mauritian private sector representatives.

On Monday evening, Ambassador Marantis and the U.S. Charge d'Affaires Troy Frittel presented certificates to four Mauritian teachers who completed the e-Teacher Scholarship Program offered by the University of Oregon. The United States and Mauritius hope to step up work on e-education under the TIFA.

This week, Chief Agricultural Negotiator Isi Siddiqui will travel to Florida to discuss how agricultural exports are a vital part of Florida’s economy. USTR’s weekly trade spotlight focuses on how trade benefits Florida’s business and workers.

Florida is known for many things. Whether it’s for sunny beaches, amusement parks or the everglades, people flock to Florida for a variety of reasons. However, what most people may not know is that Florida is the fourth largest state exporter in the United States.

From agriculture to manufacturing to services, Floridians all across the sunshine state depend on trade for their paycheck. For example, in 2008, jobs supported by Florida’s goods exports were estimated to be 168,000 – and these jobs pay 13-19 percent higher than the national average wage.

While most people think of Florida for its citrus and citrus juices – and for good reason as Florida is the third largest state exporter of fruit – many people forget about Florida’s booming manufacturing sector. Exports of computers, transportation equipment, chemicals, and machinery led to an 89 percent increase in exports in just 10 years. One of seven manufacturing workers in Florida depends on exports for their job.

The same goes for workers in the agricultural sector. More than 25,400 jobs in Florida are supported both on and off the farm in food processing, storage, and transportation by agricultural exports. These exports will only increase once tariff barriers are removed with Korea, Colombia, and Panama upon the implementation of these trade agreements.

Besides working to implement trade agreements with Korea, Colombia, and Panama to help Florida exporters, USTR is working on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). This new 21st-century agreement will provide new opportunities for Florida businesses to export to various Asia-Pacific countries, opening new markets for high-quality Florida goods to be sold around the world.

This morning, Ambassador Kirk joined President Obama at the “Insourcing American Jobs” forum at the White House. This forum focused on increasing the trend of companies choosing to “insource” jobs and make new investments in the United States. The event was attended by 22 experts, labor leaders, elected officials, and business leaders from large and small companies. The forum provided an opportunity for participants to speak about their experiences and discuss additional steps for job creation in America.

The forum was broken down into three roundtable segments: the economics of bringing jobs back, company experiences with onshoring, and how partnership can help break down barriers. The discussions varied from “insourcing” trends to onshoring decision making to Federal efforts and additional business partnerships. In conjunction with the forum, the White House today released a report that details the emerging trend of “insourcing” and how companies are increasingly choosing to invest in the United States. The full report can be found here.

As part of the Obama Administration’s efforts to rebuild an economy where hard work pays off and responsibility is rewarded, USTR is working to implement trade agreements with Korea, Colombia, and Panama as well as negotiate the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement. These agreements will provide important opportunities for American businesses to hire workers and create good jobs here at home. In addition, they provide an opportunity to “insource” jobs for American workers by selling high-quality and high-value American products around the world.