Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) met with U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk, the Secretary General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Trade Ministers from ASEAN nations to discuss trade opportunities between the United States and the Asia Pacific region.
“I was honored today to join Ambassador Kirk in Seattle to welcome the ASEAN trade minister’s delegation to the U.S. as a sign of our sustained commitment to the region. ASEAN is the fifth largest export market in the world and will be an important economic partner for the United States as we work to increase our exports as a way to grow jobs here at home.
“It was important to conduct this meeting in Seattle because Washington state businesses are at the forefront of trade relationships with Southeast Asia.
“In Washington state, people do not wake up looking east to Chicago or New York or Washington DC– they wake up looking West to China, Japan, Korea, as well as ASEAN countries.
“One in three jobs here are linked to foreign exports. We currently rank 4th in the country for total exports abroad. Selling products overseas is a surefire way to create jobs here at home and Washington state can help serve as a model as the U.S. seeks to grow jobs through export promotion.
“As ASEAN nations work towards economic integration, the United States must maintain a sustained commitment to the region. The nations of ASEAN comprise a dynamic economic region, accounting for the third largest economy in Asia. Their economies are growing rapidly – 170% in the last 10 years.
“Late last year, World Bank President Bob Zoellick noted that the Southeast Asia region lies at a geographic crossroads between India and China, two rising powers, and that the ten Member-countries of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have recognized the moment and taken actions to deepen its integration even while reaching out to others.
“ASEAN countries are at a geopolitical crossroads and the United States must foster strong cultural, diplomatic and economic relationships with the region as we move forward.
“I urge the Obama Administration to continue its commitment to Southeast Asia by building upon the steps it’s already taken.
“Last year, President Obama became the first President to formally attend an ASEAN meeting, and next year the U.S. will host the 2011 APEC Summit.
“I applaud USTR Ambassador Kirk’s decision to move forward with negotiating the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP). Joining the TPP negotiations is an important step for U.S. trade interests abroad, particularly as we look for ways to help small and medium sized American companies export their products overseas.
“Echoing Secretary Clinton’s speech in Hawaii, in January of this year, the United States must continue to engage Asia through multi-lateral approaches such as APEC as well as ASEAN.
“Supporting strong regional organizations in Asia will lead to even stronger bilateral relationships between the U.S. and our partners in the region.
“The future lies to the West, and I am committed to working with the President and our counterparts in the Asia Pacific region to ensure peace and prosperity in the 21st century.
