USTR Discusses Pending FTAs, TPP, Other U.S. Trade Initiatives

In remarks before the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on May 18, 2010, U.S. Trade Representative Kirk discussed the pending free trade agreements and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) talks, among other things.

Still Working to Find Way Forward on Pending FTAs

USTR is working to address issues with the pending FTAs with Panama, Colombia, and Korea and find ways to move them forward, as follows:

• Panama. The Administration has engaged in extensive discussions with Panama on outstanding labor and tax transparency issues. Several labor reforms are already in force. It is still urging the Martinelli Administration to move forward with others, and to enhance Panama’s financial transparency and the exchange of tax information.
• Colombia. With U.S. encouragement, the Colombian government has already taken a number of steps to address violence against unionists, and to address concerns regarding its labor law regime. The U.S. has been conducting extensive fact-finding to identify additional steps Colombia’s government should take.
• Korea. Korea is the FTA with the most economic potential and jobs potential. As called for by President Obama, the U.S. is consulting with Congress and other U.S. stakeholders to determine how best to address outstanding concerns and to move forward.

Second Round of TPP Talks in June to Focus on Structure of Negotiations, Etc.

During the second round of TPP talks during the week of June 14, 2010, the U.S. will discuss how to structure market access negotiations relating to goods, agriculture, textiles and services; how best to incorporate provisions into each chapter that promote the industries and technologies of the future; exchange views on value-added benefits of the agreement (such as greater regulatory coherence or cooperation on common concerns like food safety); and explore environmental issues such as climate change and marine conservation.

Hosting APEC in 2011 Should Help Address Barriers in Asia-Pacific

According to USTR Kirk, the U.S. will have an opportunity to make progress on some crucial trade and investment issues when it hosts APEC in 2011. That will provide a platform to address barriers in markets in the Asia-Pacific.

(Kirk also stated that Doha depends on whether advanced developing countries like China, India, and Brazil will accept the responsibility that goes along with their growing roles in the global economy. He also noted that he would travel to China for this year’s Strategic and Economic Dialogue, and that the U.S. would focus on strengthening China’s IPR regime and working to step back policies such as indigenous innovation.)

USTR Kirk’s remarks (dated 05/18/10) available at http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/speeches/transcripts/2010/may/remarks-ambassador-ron-kirk-us-chamber-commerce