WASHINGTON – Assistant United States Trade Representative for Media and Public Affairs Adam Hodge released the following statement after Australia announced that the first in-person negotiating round for the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) will take place in Brisbane from December 10-15, 2022.
“The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework represents a foundational pillar of the Biden Administration’s vision for an open, connected, prosperous, resilient, and secure region. Along with our 13 partners, we are tackling challenges and opportunities facing the citizens and economies on both sides of the Pacific – including supply chains, clean energy, digital trade, and sustainable agriculture, among other important issues.
“The first in-person IPEF ministerial in Los Angeles in September created strong momentum, and after more productive conversations, we are excited to join our partners in Brisbane for the first in-person negotiating round next month. This will be an important opportunity to identify areas of consensus and continue developing the four IPEF pillars.
“We thank Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for hosting this negotiating round and we look forward to several days of constructive engagement with our partners.”
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