By Rebecca Rosen, Acting Director for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement
Representatives from academia, labor unions, business, and public interest groups joined USTR’s Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific Barbara Weisel today for a briefing on the outcomes of the 15th round of Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations in Auckland, New Zealand.
Weisel touched on a number of the negotiation’s developments, but she noted the special significance of the inclusion of Canada and Mexico in the TPP negotiations for the United States. Canada and Mexico represent the two largest export markets for U.S. products in the world, and incorporating these two countries into the TPP will enable U.S. businesses of all sizes to expand into their markets and support more jobs in the U.S.
Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific Barbara Weisel
briefs TPP stakeholders in Washington, D.C.
In addition to the inclusion of Mexico and Canada, Weisel also discussed U.S. TPP negotiating priorities, including transparency, labor rights, and environmental protection. The United States looks to negotiate a comprehensive agreement that boosts trade, while at the same time maintaining our high standards in those issue areas, Weisel said.
The 16th round of TPP negotiations will be held in Singapore, from March 4-13th. USTR briefings with stakeholders occur regularly, including at every negotiating round and at USTR’s offices in Washington, D.C. following each round. If you are interested in participating please contact IAPE@ustr.eop.gov.
