ZCZC
BCN-03
US-POLITICS-TRADE-ECONOMY
US trade nominee says Mexico-Canada pact is priority
WASHINGTON, Feb 25, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – US trade representative nominee
Katherine Tai has said implementing the new free trade agreement between the
United States, Canada and Mexico will be “a priority,” while also vowing to
rebuild international ties.
Tai, who expected to be confirmed for the influential post, will appear
before a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday.
“I will make it a priority to implement and enforce the renewed terms of
our trade relationship with Canada and Mexico,” she said in written testimony
released Wednesday ahead of the hearing.
“The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is a uniquely
bipartisan accomplishment,” she said.
“It represents an important step in reforming our approach to trade. We
must all continue to prioritize its implementation and success.”
Tai played a key role in shaping USMCA under Donald Trump to replace NAFTA
(North American Free Trade Agreement), advising on labor law during
discussions.
In line with President Joe Biden’s approach, she stressed the need to
improve multilateral relationships, saying she would “prioritize rebuilding
our international alliances and partnerships, and re-engaging with
international institutions.”
She named the three global challenges of “climate change, the Covid
pandemic, and a global economic downturn.”
Tai, a long-time China expert, also said the US “duty of leadership
extends, of course, to addressing the challenges posed by China.” “China is
simultaneously a rival, a trade partner, and an outsized player whose
cooperation we’ll also need to address certain global challenges,” she added
in the testimony that she will deliver at Thursday’s hearing.
Born in 1974 of Chinese descent, and a graduate of Yale and Harvard
universities, Tai — who will succeed Robert Lighthizer — has bipartisan
support, and confirmation of her appointment is set to be a formality.
BSS/AFP/FI/ 0756 hrs