New York, N.Y., January 24, 2014 – The United States Council for International Business (USCIB) applauded announcement of a new initiative by the United States and key trading partners to boost trade in environmental goods and services (EGS) through the World Trade Organization. It said the positive step would build on the recent “Bali package” of trade liberalization measures as well as commitments in the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) forum.
USCIB President and CEO Peter Robinson welcomed the announcement and U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman’s continuing leadership in this area. “USCIB members agree that moving towards greener economic growth will depend on the widespread deployment of innovative technologies and management systems through more open trade, whether to address climate risks, improve food, water and energy security or offer cleaner goods to consumers in developing countries,” he said.
Robinson went on to say that, “We should seize this opportunity to liberalize trade in a strategic sector. At the same time, USCIB is strongly aware of the need to remove trade barriers for many other resources and products that are integral parts of the global supply and value chains behind EGS.”
Working with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and other international business partners, USCIB has advocated ambitious outcomes in the WTO, TPP, TTIP and APEC deliberations, and continues to highlight the benefits that multilateral trade and investment render to the U.S. economy.
USCIB urges governments to pursue initiatives that would increase the benefits offered by yesterday’s announcement via ongoing dedication to trade liberalization across the board and reaching a comprehensive multilateral agreement on climate change that involves all major emitters next year in Paris.
About USCIB: USCIB promotes open markets, competitiveness and innovation, sustainable development and corporate responsibility, supported by international engagement and regulatory coherence. Its members include U.S.-based global companies and professional services firms from every sector of our economy, with operations in every region of the world. With a unique global network encompassing leading international business organizations, including ICC, USCIB provides business views to policy makers and regulatory authorities worldwide, and works to facilitate international trade and investment. More at www.uscib.org.
Contact: Jonathan Huneke, USCIB
+1 212.703.5043, jhuneke@uscib.org
