WASHINGTON, D.C. – United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk today applauded the United States Senate for the confirmation of Demetrios Marantis as Deputy United States Trade Representative. Marantis will be responsible for U.S. trade negotiations and enforcement in Asia and Africa. He will also lead USTR global initiatives on trade and development, labor, and the environment.
“The Senate’s swift action to confirm Demetrios Marantis as Deputy USTR is much appreciated. Demetrios will bring extensive expertise and knowledge to our international trade efforts,” said Ambassador Kirk. “His contribution will be crucial in fulfilling President Obama’s promise of making trade work for the American people.”
Marantis has served most recently as the Chief International Trade Counsel for the Senate Finance Committee, advising Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus and other members of the Committee on trade and economic issues. Marantis previously served at USTR as Associate General Counsel, responsible for provisions in the U.S.-Singapore and U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreements. Marantis also represented the United States in numerous WTO dispute settlement proceedings, including a landmark telecommunications case with Mexico. Marantis left USTR in 2002 to work as Chief Legal Advisor for the U.S.-Vietnam Trade Council in Hanoi for two years. On the 2004 Kerry-Edwards presidential campaign, Marantis served as Issues Director for Senator John Edwards. Marantis also worked for Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld in both Washington, D.C. and Brussels offices.
Marantis received his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School and Bachelor of Arts in Public and International Affairs from Princeton University.
