U.S. Chamber's International Policy Update (December 16, 2011)
International Policy Update
Recently in Dec 2011 Category
On
December 15, the Eighth Ministerial Conference of the World Trade
Organization (WTO) opened in Geneva with news that -- after more than 10
years of negotiations -- a deal
was reached on a more robust Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) to
generate new business opportunities for U.S. companies in 42 countries
and more than 150 central and sub-central government entities, such as
Canada's provinces. Additional sectors are being opened as well, and
countries will enhance transparency by bidding for contracts through
electronic methods. According to WTO estimates, the total value of new
market access opportunities is expected to be between $80 and $100
billion. The U.S. Chamber welcomed the news:
"With 'buy local' mandates proliferating around the globe, the expanded
GPA will help avoid a protectionist spiral and keep foreign procurement
markets open to U.S. firms," said Chamber Senior Vice President for
International Affairs Myron Brilliant.
Continue reading WTO Ministerial Under Way; New GPA Accord Clinched.
On December 14, the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade held a hearing
on the status and future of the ongoing Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)
negotiations as well as the potential benefits of the agreement for
U.S. companies, workers, and farmers. The hearing focused on the
progress of the negotiations, a timetable for conclusion, and possible
new members.
Continue reading House Ways & Means Trade Subcommittee Holds Hearing on TPP.
On December 14, the U.S. Chamber applauded the release of a report prepared by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) with support from the Chamber-affiliated U.S.-Egypt Business Council
calling for U.S. policy makers to work toward the goal of launching
free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with Egypt. "As the United
States continues to pursue its goal of doubling exports by 2014, it must
look towards countries that will be integrating into the global
economy," said Lionel Johnson, vice president of Middle East and North
Africa Affairs. "This report is simple in its message: closer trade
relations between the United States and Egypt can bring growth and jobs
for both countries."
Continue reading Chamber Lauds Report Calling for a Path Toward a U.S.-Egypt FTA.
On Thursday, the new Secretary of Commerce, John Bryson, spoke to the Chamber about helping American businesses grow and create jobs.
The former Chairman and CEO of Southern California Edison centered his talk on developing America's advanced manufacturing: nanotechnology; biotech; robotics; electronics; etc.
The former Chairman and CEO of Southern California Edison centered his talk on developing America's advanced manufacturing: nanotechnology; biotech; robotics; electronics; etc.
Last week the Administrative Conference of the U.S. (ACUS) voted to finalize an update of its 1991 recommendation on international regulatory cooperation. A year ago, the U.S. Chamber initiated the idea of ACUS reviewing and updating its recommendation as part of the Global Regulatory Cooperation
Project's efforts to redefine the international role, responsibility,
and coordination of U.S. regulatory agencies. The Chamber was pleased to
partner with ACUS in April of this year to organize a joint program
that served to make the case for the ACUS review. Since then, the GRC
Project has worked closely with ACUS and provided several rounds of input
into a background report prepared by ACUS as well as the final
recommendations voted on last week. The revised recommendations
represent the most forward-thinking vision articulated to date of how
U.S. regulators should tackle non-tariff barriers. The Chamber will work
with ACUS to implement the new recommendations and drive a paradigm
shift in the mindset of U.S. regulators and promote U.S. global
competitiveness. For details, please contact Adam Schlosser, Senior
Manager for Global Regulatory Cooperation (aschlosser@uschamber.com).
On December 13, the U.S. Chamber welcomed Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki to mark the transition from U.S. military engagement in Iraq to economic engagement through closer commercial ties. The prime minister told the audience that his country is welcoming all U.S. companies with open arms as U.S. troops leave at the end of the month. Al-Maliki said U.S. companies in all economic sectors could find opportunities to help rebuild in Iraq.
"As U.S. engagement in Iraq transitions, the private sector will play an increasingly important role to help shape virtually every sector, from electricity and housing to transportation, telecommunications, and healthcare. These commercial opportunities translate into jobs in both Iraq and the United States, benefitting both countries" said David Chavern, chief operating officer of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. More than 30 Iraqi business representatives attended the event along with top U.S. business leaders from sectors including oil and gas, financial, health care, and construction. For details, please contact Lionel Johnson, Vice President for the Middle East (ljohnson@uschamber.com).
AACCLA's "Outlook on the Americas" Luncheon
Thursday, January 26, 2012
The Biltmore Hotel
Coral Gables, FL
Register here
Thursday, January 26, 2012
The Biltmore Hotel
Coral Gables, FL
Register here
Russia Day at WTO Ministerial, Congress and PNTR by Christopher Wenk
WTO Ministerial Underway in Geneva by Christopher Wenk
Toward an FTA with Egypt by Sean Hackbarth
Iraqi Prime Minister: Business Now at the Front by Sean Hackbarth
Pakistan's Humanitarian Crisis by Esperanza Gomez Jelalian
Contacto:
AmCham Ecuador / Guayaquil
Cdla. Kennedy Norte,
Av. Francisco de Orellana
Edificio Centrum
Piso 6, Oficina 5
PBX: (593-4) 2 634270
Fax: (593-4) 2 634265
camara@amchamecuador.org
AmCham Ecuador / Guayaquil
Cdla. Kennedy Norte,
Av. Francisco de Orellana
Edificio Centrum
Piso 6, Oficina 5
PBX: (593-4) 2 634270
Fax: (593-4) 2 634265
camara@amchamecuador.org
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