(January 12, 2010) The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is seeking public comments on all elements of the Trans-Pacific trade agreement in order to develop U.S. negotiating positions.
U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk notified Congress on December 14, 2009 that President Barack Obama intends to enter into negotiations for a regional, Trans-Pacific trade agreement. The goal of talks for the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) will be to shape a high-standard, broad-based regional pact.
Kirk said such an agreement would help to expand U.S. exports, saving and creating good jobs in the United States.
Written comments are due by January 25. Submissions can be made online at www.regulations.gov.
Trans-Pacific Region
President Obama first announced the United States’ intention to engage with TPP countries on November 14, 2009 during his first trip to Asia as President of the United States.
The TPP has been under way since 2005. It includes the original members of New Zealand, Chile, Singapore and Brunei with additions of Australia, Peru and Vietnam. Japan, Korea, Canada and Mexico have also expressed interest in negotiations. One of the objectives of the TPP is to create a model trade agreement that other nations can join.
The Asia-Pacific region is a key driver of global economic growth, representing nearly 60 percent of global GDP and roughly 50 percent of international trade. Since 1990, Asia-Pacific goods trade has increased by 300 percent, while global investment in the region has increased by more than 400 percent. U.S. trade with Asian countries totals nearly $1 trillion annually.
The first round of negotiations has already been announced by the current TPP members for March 2010. Staff for the USTR have begun preliminary consultations with committees of jurisdiction in Congress, with stakeholders in U.S. industry, agriculture and other sectors, and with labor and environment advisors.
The USTR team also has met with current TPP members and with countries that have expressed interest in potentially joining the negotiations.
CalChamber Position
The California Chamber of Commerce, in keeping with longstanding policy, enthusiastically supports free trade worldwide, expansion of international trade and investment, fair and equitable market access for California products abroad and elimination of disincentives that impede the international competitiveness of California business. New multilateral, sectoral and regional trade agreements ensure that the United States may continue to gain access to world markets, resulting in an improved economy and additional employment of Americans.
For alternatives to online submissions, contact Gloria Blue, executive secretary, Trade Policy Staff Committee, at (202) 395-3475.
Staff Contact: Susanne T. Stirling