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Statement from USTR Spokesman Adam Hodge on Ambassador Katherine Tai’s Participation in the First G7 Trade Ministers Meeting

March 31, 2021

WASHINGTON – United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai today virtually participated in the G7 Trade Ministers Meeting hosted by the United Kingdom and chaired by Secretary of State Liz Truss. Ministers were joined in this meeting by WTO Director General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. This was the first meeting of the G7 Trade Ministers.

Ambassador Tai and other G7 Ministers discussed the challenges facing the global trading system from non-market forces and the need to work collectively to advance free and fair trade. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala and the Ministers discussed pathways to achieving meaningful outcomes for the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference scheduled later this year. Ministers also discussed their plans for future work on digital trade, women’s economic empowerment, and climate change objectives. Ambassador Tai emphasized the Biden-Harris Administration’s objective to ensure that trade policy focuses on benefitting workers, in addition to businesses and consumers. The Ministers are united in their desire to support policies that will facilitate a rapid end to the pandemic and recognize that trade can contribute to a strong and equitable recovery.

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