WASHINGTON –This week, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has posted a Federal Register Notice (FRN) inviting public comments and recommendations on how all U.S. trade and investment policy actions, including responsible business conduct, could advance racial and gender equity and support for historically underserved communities.
Consistent with USTR’s Strategic Plan and the President’s Trade Agenda, the inclusive trade FRN requests public guidance on U.S. trade policy, actions, tools, resources, best practices, structures, and capacity to develop to advance equity. It also questions whether there are policies, provisions, or actions that are detrimental to advancing equity. Finally, the FRN seeks guidance on inclusive engagement and consultation processes.
From day one of the Biden-Harris Administration, USTR has been laser-focused on working to empower communities, fight for economic justice, and pursue inclusive prosperity. These strategic priorities now include:
- Executive Order 13895 on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government;
- Executive Order 13988 on Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation;
- U.S. National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality;
- U.S. National Strategy to Advance Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Communities;
- Presidential Memorandum on Tribal Consultation and Strengthening the Nation-to-Nation Relationships; and
- Presidential Memorandum on Advancing the Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Persons Around the World
Additionally, the U.S. Trade Representative co-chairs the White House Initiative and President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders and serves on the White House Council on Native American Affairs and the Gender Policy Council.
The public comment period will last for 60 days, from June 12 through August 11. The inclusive trade FRN text and submission guidance can be found on the Federal Register website.
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