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For Immediate Release
September 22, 2008


Contact:
William Marmon
Vice President
(202) 289-1911
wmarmon@usasean.org

 

US-ASEAN Business Council Supports USTR Initiative for Trans-Pacific FTA

(Washington, DC) The US-ASEAN Business Council today announced support for the US decision to commence negotiations to join Singapore, New Zealand, Chile and Brunei in a free trade agreement that could result in a broader Asia-Pacific free trade area.

US-ASEAN Business Council (www.us-asean.org) is a non-profit association of leading US businesses that works with the 10-state ASEAN regional organizations as well as government and private sector players in each country. The Council was formed in 1985.

“The Council supports US entry into the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership,” said Council President Matthew Daley.

“Membership in this high quality FTA will stimulate and enable exports by US companies into an area that accounts for nearly 60 percent of world GNP and is growing faster than the world average.    Free Trade Agreements with Singapore and Australia substantially increased US exports to those countries.  We hope that US participation in the Trans-Pacific Agreement will encourage other countries in Asia to participate as well,” said Daley.

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The US-ASEAN Business Council and affiliates are dedicated to strengthening bilateral and US ASEAN relations and building strong economic and commercial ties. Members of the Council include Fortune 1000 companies in support of promoting trade, investment, and technology cooperation, advancing US ASEAN relations through strong participation in public-private partnerships, and committing to development and corporate social responsibility. The Council's members are represented in diverse industries, including aerospace, agribusiness, automobiles, computers and information technology, consumer goods, energy exploration and development, express delivery services, financial services, health care and pharmaceuticals, media & entertainment, mining, software, and telecommunications.

For information on the US-ASEAN Business Council or general information visit www.us-asean.org.