Nov162015
Posted at 11:17 AM
Today, Deputy Secretary of Commerce Bruce Andrews spoke about the United States’ commitment to expanding commercial engagement in the Asia-Pacific region during a reception hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines. He also invited business leaders in the audience to attend the 2016 Hannover Messe industrial fair.
Deputy Secretary Andrews is in Manila until Wednesday for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit.
Remarks as Prepared for Delivery
Good evening, everyone. I want to thank the American Chamber of Commerce Philippines for hosting us tonight. AmCham Philippines is one of the oldest Amchams in the world, if not the oldest. Rick, Ebb, and their entire team have made this organization a formidable advocate for American businesses in this dynamic and growing market.
I know you have a great working relationship with our Embassy and Commercial Section. We want to continue to strengthen those ties because the American business community is a necessary partner in making critical policy decisions that impact the way your companies operate abroad. You know this region and its business climate better than anyone else, and your perspective is invaluable to us as we shape our Department’s priorities.
The Department of Commerce is committed to building a durable network of partnerships and institutions across the Asia-Pacific that are capable of meeting 21st century challenges and ensuring market access for U.S. companies.
This includes the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which encompasses a subset of APEC member economies and will give American businesses a new platform for Asia-Pacific regional trade integration.
Beyond TPP, the U.S. government remains committed to promoting economic growth and deeper integration across the region by removing barriers to trade and investment. This remains a core mission of APEC, and it is a big reason why the United States is so engaged in APEC.
The Department of Commerce is involved in several work streams, including promoting Business Ethics for APEC SMEs, promoting the integration of SMEs into the digital economy, and eliminating unnecessary regulatory barriers for trade in food products. We are also looking to reduce barriers to the growth of the digital economy and increase members’ participation in the Cross Border Privacy Rules system.
The bottom line is that the United States is committed to APEC, and we are deeply engaged with our APEC partners on many fronts.
Now, while I know that I’m currently in the Asia-Pacific, I want to plug an excellent growth opportunity for all of the companies represented here tonight: the 2016 Hannover Messe industrial fair in Hannover, Germany.
This year, for the first time, the United States is the official “partner country” for this global event, which is the largest industrial trade fair in the world. This means that American businesses will be front and center as we reaffirm America's position as home to the most innovative and forward thinking manufacturers in the world.
Simply put: Hannover Messe is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for not only companies operating in Europe but for American businesses all over the world – and the Department of Commerce is here to help.
Whether you are an experienced exhibitor or attending for the first time, our team of international trade specialists stands ready to provide insights into global industry trends, identify the best market opportunities for your products, and facilitate introductions to international buyers, distributors and investors. If you are interested in attending or would like more information, please connect with my colleague Ryan Mulholland.
Through Hannover Messe, our participation in APEC, and more, this Administration remains focused on making it easier for your companies to do business around the world – but in order to do that, we need to hear from you. We need you to tell us where you’re seeing progress and where you need our help.
Please reach out to our commercial service staff in your respective countries with any feedback or concerns that you have. As I always like to say, the Department of Commerce is a customer services organization at heart – and you and your companies are our clients. We are here to serve you. Thank you.
