Washington, D.C. - United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk welcomed the announcement of Karel de Gucht as the new European Union (EU) Trade Commissioner. Ambassador Kirk looks forward to establishing a strong and productive working relationship with Commissioner de Gucht early on, to continue the work of promoting a sound transatlantic trade relationship, anchoring prosperity and creating jobs on both sides of the Atlantic. From Ambassador Kirk:
"I welcome the announcement of Karel de Gucht as the new EU Trade Commissioner. I look forward to forging a strong, frank and productive relationship with my new EU trade counterpart, collaborating on vital multilateral initiatives, intensifying bilateral engagement, and working through both longstanding problems and new challenges, for the benefit of both the United States and the European Union.
A sound transatlantic trade and investment relationship is critical to the continued prosperity of both the United States and the European Union. Together we generate trade and investment flows of around $2.7 billion a day, providing millions of people with good jobs and secure income.
In these hard economic times, we must cooperate even more closely to address global economic challenges and create new opportunities for transatlantic commerce, enhancing the integration and competitiveness of our economies."
