U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk is currently leading the U.S. delegation to St. Petersburg, Russia, for the 13th Annual International Economic Forum. The forum is held to bring world leaders together to talk about international economic issues.
Ambassador Kirk knows that international trade can help to drive the world's economic recovery. During this economic crisis, countries must not turn inward, but work together to sustain and grow a robust, rules-based global trading system. Ambassador Kirk will speak on a panel about strengthening the role of international cooperation and opposing protectionism during the forum.
Ambassador Kirk will also participate in a dialogue with U.S. and Russian business leaders to discuss deepening U.S.-Russia commercial ties, and meet with senior Russian government officials to discuss our bilateral trade issues, including Russia’s ongoing, unscientific bans on U.S. pork, beef, and poultry products.
Russia is currently our 23rd largest goods trading partner with $36.1 billion in total (two way) goods trade during 2008. Goods exports totaled $9.3 billion; Goods imports totaled $26.8 billion.
