New York, N.Y., May 2, 2013 – The United States Council for International Business (USCIB) welcomed President Obama‘s nomination of Michael Froman as U.S. Trade Representative, calling it a positive sign for renewed U.S. leadership on trade at a critical time for our economy.
“This is an excellent choice,” said USCIB President and CEO Peter M. Robinson. “Michael Froman has been a positive force for trade within the Obama administration, and is well respected in the business community. His nomination could not come at a better time, as the U.S. begins trade and investment talks with the European Union and pursues the Trans-Pacific Partnership.”
Robinson continued: “We urge the Senate to confirm Mr. Froman’s nomination as soon as possible. On our side, we will be working hard to provide input to USTR on top trade priorities, and to encourage overseas industry and government positions consistent with U.S. trade objectives.”
USCIB Chairman Terry McGraw (chairman, CEO and president of McGraw Hill Financial Inc.), also praised the nomination. “As Chairman of President Obama’s Advisory Committee on Trade Policy and Negotiations, I warmly welcome the appointment of Mike Froman as the next U.S. Trade Representative,” said McGraw, who was recently elected chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce.
“He is ideally qualified to lead us to completion of the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement and steer us to successful negotiation of the US-EU trade initiatives, the Trade in Services Agreement and continue USTR’s strong support for an active US trade and investment agenda,” McGraw added.
USCIB has laid out an ambitious 2013 trade and investment agenda, which focuses on completing trade agreements in Asia and Europe, moving forward on bilateral investment treaties with key emerging markets, revitalizing work in the World Trade Organization, and addressing new emerging regulatory challenges that can serve as impediments to open trade and investment.
About USCIB:
USCIB promotes open markets, competitiveness and innovation, sustainable development and corporate responsibility, supported by international engagement and regulatory coherence. Its members include U.S.-based global companies and professional services firms from every sector of our economy, with operations in every region of the world. With a unique global network encompassing the International Chamber of Commerce, the International Organization of Employers and the Business and Industry Advisory Committee to the OECD, USCIB provides business views to policy makers and regulatory authorities worldwide, and works to facilitate international trade and investment. More at www.uscib.org.
Contact:
Jonathan Huneke, USCIB
+1 212.703.5043, jhuneke@uscib.org
