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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Chamber of Commerce today released comments it filed with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative on enhancing the transatlantic economic relationship between the United States and European Union.  Today’s release coincided with the address of E.U. Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson to the Chamber, his first major policy speech in the United States as trade commissioner. 

 

Among other steps, the Chamber comments advocate negotiation of an ambitious U.S.-E.U. investment and regulatory cooperation agreement. 

 

“The transatlantic commercial relationship between the United States and Europe is the engine driving global economic growth,” said Dan Christman, Chamber senior vice president for international affairs.  “The E.U. is America’s largest trading partner, and it is critical to the world that U.S.-E.U. relationship be strengthened, trade disputes resolved constructively and an ambitious trade agenda pursued.  The Chamber is committed to working with Commissioner Mandelson and leaders in Congress and the administration to renew and reinvigorate this vital economic partnership.” 

 

Christman noted the Chamber is an active participant in the Transatlantic Business Dialogue and said it is in the process of developing concrete proposals for the upcoming U.S.-E.U. economic summit to be held in Washington, D.C. in June.  He also said the Chamber is urging the United States and the E.U. to actively work together to conclude the Doha Round of negotiations and start working on a U.S.-E.U. investment and regulatory cooperation agreement, an important issue for many Chamber members. 

 

“Peter Mandelson is a key leader in moving a positive E.U. trade agenda forward,” Christman said.  “We are pleased he recognizes the importance of engaging in a dialogue with the U.S. business community and look forward to working with him to bolster trade ties.”

 

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

 

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05-24

 

A full copy of the Chamber’s comments is available online.
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