September 2007 News

U.S. Commerce Department Leads Clean Energy Trade Mission To China and India

Beginning January 8, 2008, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Market Access and Compliance David Bohigian will lead a Clean Energy Trade Mission to China and India. Because clean energy technologies have moved to the forefront of energy infrastructure investments in China and India (and investment in these technologies will be enormous during the next decade), U.S. companies who decide to participate in the mission will have the chance to initiate or expand sales in these booming markets. The mission will visit China January 8-13 and India January 14-18, and will target the renewable energy, biofuels, energy efficiency, clean coal, and distributed generation sectors. Companies can visit one or both markets. For more information on the mission, please view the web site for the mission or contact Justin Rathke by phone (202-482-7916) or via email (at cleanenergymission@mail.doc.gov).

View the application to participate in the mission

USITC Report On Probable Economic Effect Of Modifications To DR-CAFTA Rules Of Origin For Certain Apparel Goods

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has issued a public version of its report on the probable economic effect of modifications to the DR-CAFTA rules of origin for apparel containing pocket bag fabric and other modifications to tariff treatment under the Agreement. The investigation, Probable Economic Effect of Modifications to DR-CAFTA Rules of Origin and Tariffs for Certain Apparel Goods, was requested by USTR. The USITC submitted a confidential version of the report to the USTR on August 30, 2007. To receive a printed copy of the report, please consult the USITC press release.

Secretary Gutierrez Statement on USITC Report on Korea Free Trade Agreement

On September 20, Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez issued a statement on the release of the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) Report on the potential economic effects of the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA). The Secretary stated, “Opening markets is a key element of President Bush’s pro-growth agenda and this U.S. International Trade Commission study confirms the Korea FTA will open the Korean market to U.S. goods and services providers.” He added, “This FTA would benefit the U.S. economy by giving American exporters the tools to expand and grow in this large developed market with major commercial opportunities.” The Secretary went on to say that “The Korea FTA, along with pending FTAs with Peru, Colombia and Panama, will give U.S. manufacturers and service providers the opportunity to compete on a level playing field to boost exprots and create jobs.”

View Commerce press release

U.S. Commerce Department Leads Clean Energy Trade Mission To China and India

Beginning January 8, 2008, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Market Access and Compliance David Bohigian will lead a Clean Energy Trade Mission to China and India. Because clean energy technologies have moved to the forefront of energy infrastructure investments in China and India (and investment in these technologies will be enormous during the next decade), U.S. companies who decide to participate in the mission will have the chance to initiate or expand sales in these booming markets. The mission will visit China January 8-13 and India January 14-18, and will target the renewable energy, biofuels, energy efficiency, clean coal, and distributed generation sectors. Companies can visit one or both markets. For more information on the mission, please view the web site for the mission or contact Justin Rathke by phone (202-482-7916) or via email (at cleanenergymission@mail.doc.gov).

View the application to participate in the mission

Secretary of Commerce Promotes Free Trade Agreements During Florida Speech

During his remarks to the Miami Herald Americas Conference in Coral Gables on September 20, Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez praised the Bush Administration’s engagement with Latin America. He noted that six of the 11 countries with which the United States has implemented free trade agreements (FTAs) have been with Latin American countries. Regarding the pending U.S. FTAs with Panama, Peru and Colombia, Mr. Gutierrez observed that these are three of the fastest growing countries in the world with the highest potential for U.S. exports, which is important because the U.S. economy is increasingly driven by exports. The Secretary extolled Colombia’s role as the United States’ “staunchest ally” in the region and its dramatic economic turnaround, stating that it would be “the biggest foreign policy mistake of our time in our region” if the U.S. denied Colombia an FTA.

View Commerce press release

Commerce Secretary Gutierrez Addresses National Summit on American Competitiveness

View the text of Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez’s remarks to attendees at the inaugural National Summit on American Competitiveness on September 18. Mr. Gutierrez stated that “the way to increase our competitiveness and create American jobs is not close off our markets…the President believes that opening markets around the world will increase our competitiveness.” In response to the question of what else can be done to keep America competitive, the Secretary said “There are a number of ways the government can help create an environment where private enterprise and good ideas can thrive.”

Special 301 Out-of-Cycle Review of Brazil, Czech Republic and Pakistan: Request for Public Comment

View the text of a Federal Register notice issued by USTR regarding the upcoming Special 301 out-of-cycle review of Brazil, Czech Republic and Pakistan. Pursuant to these reviews, USTR is requesting written submissions from the public concerning acts, policies and practices regarding the adequacy and effectiveness of intellectual property protection and enforcement in those countries. Submissions must be received by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 15, 2007. For more information on submitting comments please consult the Federal Register notice.

Administration’s Fall Effort to Pass Pending Trade Agreements and Boost U.S. Exports

On September 10, key members of the President’s Cabinet joined Senator Chuck Grassley at a trade rally on Capitol Hill to launch the Administration’s fall effort to pass pending trade agreements and boost U.S. exports. The effort kicks off with the launch of an interagency web site (a joint effort of the Commerce, Agriculture, State, and Treasury Department and USTR) to provide the public with the latest information on America’s trade agreements. The website will include press releases, speeches and fact sheets on existing and pending trade agreements. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez called the website “a one-stop-shop for those interested in learning about America’s trade policy and how it contributes to our nation’s economy.” U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab stated, “The more Americans know about how existing free trade agreements have created economic opportunities and expanded consumer choices, the more they will support free trade agreements we have concluded with Peru, Colombia, Panama, and Korea, which are now pending before Congress.” Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns said, “There is broad recognition that U.S. agriculture enjoys enormous benefits from existing free trade agreements and the pending agreements hold the same promise for our farmers and agribusinesses.” The Commerce Department effort to pass the pending FTA’s will be led by Secretary Gutierrez, who will lead a 14-Member Congressional delegation to Latin America to visit with government, business, labor and civil society officials on the role pending FTAs with Peru, Colombia and Panama could play in promoting positive social change, and economic growth and opportunity.

View Commerce press release

Commerce Secretary Gutierrez to Lead Congressional Delegation to Visit Panama, Peru and Colombia to Urge Action on Pending Free Trade Agreements

On September 7, Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez announced that he will lead a congressional delegation (which will include Boston Mayor Thomas Menino) to Panama, Peru and Colombia, September 12 -15, to discuss pending trade agreements with the U.S. and to hear directly from government, business, labor and civil society officials on the role these agreements play in promoting positive social change, and economic growth and opportunity. The Secretary commented that the pending agreements “will level the playing field by providing duty-free treatment for the majority of U.S. exports to these countries.” The trip will provide members of Congress with a unique opportunity to address labor, social justice and other concerns with key government officials.

View Commerce press release

Trade Issues at Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation 2007

View the text of a White House fact sheet on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings in Sydney, Australia. During these meetings, President Bush and APEC leaders made progress toward their goal of free and open trade and investment in the region by, inter alia, endorsing a consensus report on ways and means to realize the vision of a trans-Pacific, region-wide Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific and agreeing on three new sets of model measures for free trade agreement (FTA) chapters to promote high-quality FTAs that expand trade. Regarding the Doha Round of WTO trade negotiations, the leaders issued a strong statement insisting on an ambitious, balanced result that delivers substantial market access in agriculture, industrial goods, and services. The APEC leaders reinforced their fight against corruption by creating model Codes of Conduct and complementary Anti-Corruption Principles for business and government officials. They also committed to equip the region’s workforce with 21^st Century skills in order to help workers adapt more quickly to an open and competitive marketplace. The leaders accepted President Bush’s offer to host the 2011 APEC Meetings.

View text of Joint Leaders’ Statement

Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez Praises Padilla Nomination for Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade

On September 4, Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez applauded President Bush's intention to nominate Christopher A. Padilla to be Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade. Padilla presently serves as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration. The Secretary stated, “Chris Padilla has been involved in virtually every major U.S. trade issue in the last two decades, and he knows that we must continue to open new markets, promote American exports, and aggressively implement U.S. trade laws and agreements. As we work to implement new Free Trade Agreements, push for completion of the WTO Doha negotiations, and prepare for the next meeting of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT), Chris Padilla will be a strong advocate for open markets and U.S. workers, businesses, farmers and ranchers. I hope the Senate will act quickly on his nomination." If confirmed, Mr. Padilla would lead the International Trade Administration, which participates in the development of U.S. trade policy; identifies and resolves market access and compliance issues; administers U.S. trade laws; and undertakes a range of trade promotion and trade advocacy efforts.

View Commerce press release

Commerce Secretary Gutierrez Notes Senate Finance Committee Hearing on Peru Trade Promotion Agreement

In a September 4 statement, Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez noted that the Senate Finance Committee will hold a September 11 hearing on the Peru Trade Promotion Agreement. The Secretary stated, “The (Peru Trade Promotion) agreement would provide economic opportunity and eliminate barriers so American workers, businesses and farmers can compete and win in the Peruvian market.” He added, “Setting the hearing is a good first step, and I hope Congress will swiftly approve the Peru-FTA, so that it can then move on to helping pass our FTAs with Colombia, Panama and Korea.”

View Commerce press release

President Bush Attends APEC Summit in Australia

Prior to President Bush’s departure for the APEC summit in Sydney, Australia, National Security Council (NSC) officials Dennis Wilder and Dan Price briefed the press on the summit and his bilateral meetings there. Wilder, who is the NSC’s senior director for Asian Affairs, stated that the President will hold bilateral meetings during the week with Australian Prime Minister Howard, Chinese President Hu Jintao, Japanese Prime Minister Abe, and Korean President Roh Moo-hyun. The Administration is attempting to schedule a meeting with President Yudhoyono of Indonesia. On September 7, the President will address the APEC Business Summit and meet with the leaders of the ASEAN nations which belong to APEC. During his remarks to the Business Summit, the President will discuss the importance of trade and investment liberalization and the U.S. commitment to Doha as well as to regional economic integration. He will also encourage business leaders to partner with governments in educating their employees, their communities and their governments on the benefits of trade and investment liberalization. The APEC leaders' summit begins September 8, when they hold their dialogue with the APEC Business Advisory Council. The APEC leaders' retreat (Number One) follows, and will cover climate change, energy security, and sustainable development and support for the Doha Round. After the President departs September 8, U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab will represent the United States at Sunday's APEC leadership retreat number two.

View transcript of White House press briefing

Secretary Gutierrez Opens Inaugural Afghan International Carpet Fair

On August 26, Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the inaugural Afghanistan International Carpet Fair in Kabul. The Secretary stated, “The export of Afghan rugs will help raise the standard of living for many Afghan families and will help to improve the country’s expanding economy.” Nine U.S. companies participated in the Fair.

The Secretary was also joined by Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Richard A. Boucher and U.S. Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan William B. Wood. During his visit, the Secretary met with Presidents Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan and Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan to discuss how to promote greater regional integration and cooperation in the region. He emphasized that economic reforms, transparency and implementing key economic legislation are essential to attracting trade and investment to the region. Mr. Gutierrez also met with Afghanistan’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Dr. Mir Mohammad Amin Farhang and other members of the Afghan Cabinet to discuss ongoing cooperative efforts designed to strengthen bilateral commercial relations and help Afghanistan develop its trade capacity and private sector.

View Commerce press release