On March 1, the administration released President Obama's 2011 Trade Policy Agenda and 2010 Annual Report. U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk commented: "The Obama Administration has blazed a new trail on trade, and this Agenda reflects our commitment to a job-focused, comprehensive trade policy that benefits American businesses and workers as well. Our trade policy will support more American jobs and better jobs as we open world markets for Made in America products and keep them open through strong enforcement of our trade rights, maintaining America's leadership and strengthening partnerships in a robust, rules-based global trading system."
The statement also identifies goals for 2011 including implementation of the U.S.-Korea trade agreement, resolution of outstanding issues related to trade agreements with Panama and Colombia, substantial progress in the TPP talks and the Doha round of negotiations in the World Trade Organization, and Russia's accession to the WTO. The administration has also called for the renewal and long-term extension of key programs such as Trade Adjustment Assistance and expired trade preferences. Ambassador Kirk will testify before the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday, March 9, at 10:00 a.m. on "The President's 2011 Trade Agenda."
