United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk issues the following statement praising the announcement by President Obama, European Council President Van Rompuy and European Commission President Barroso that the United States and the European Union will initiate the internal procedures necessary to launch negotiations on a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership.

Office of the United States Trade Representative
Executive Office of the President
Statement by U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk
Washington, DC
February 13, 2013

“I welcome President Obama’s decision with the Leaders of the European Union to pursue an ambitious, high-standard Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. The significant economic benefits foreseen in the work of the U.S.-EU High Level Working Group on Jobs and Growth include new jobs, economic growth and international competitiveness on both sides of the Atlantic. It will be a great endeavor for the United States to work with partners in the European Union – with guidance from our stakeholders and Members of Congress – to strengthen our historic partnership.”