19 March 2009
Confirmation of United States Trade Representative – Ron Kirk
The Minister for Trade Simon Crean has warmly welcomed the overnight confirmation of Ambassador Ron Kirk as United States Trade Representative.
Ambassador Kirk brings impressive public and private sector experience to the position.
The United States is a key economic partner for Australia and a driving force in global trade.
"I look forward to working closely with Ambassador Kirk," said the Minister for Trade Simon Crean.
"Achieving a successful conclusion to the Doha Round is Australia’s highest trade negotiating priority. I hope to cooperate with Ambassador Kirk on a balanced and ambitious outcome and I believe such a deal is within reach," he said.
The G20 Leaders Summit, initiated by the United States last November, is committed to fighting protectionism and has emphasised the urgency of completing the Doha Round as crucial to a global economic recovery. The G20 leaders will meet again in London on April 2.
"I welcome the Obama Administration’s commitment to multilateral action and robust diplomacy as we respond to the policy challenges and opportunities before us," Mr Crean said.
US economic engagement with the Asia-Pacific provides a vital contribution to regional prosperity and stability.
"There will be important opportunities to support a strong APEC agenda, including in the lead up to the US hosting of APEC in 2011. The Trans-Pacific Partnership initiative will provide a further opportunity to enhance economic integration in the region,'' he said.
Mr Crean said the annual Australia-United States Ministerial Trade Talks (AUSMINTT) provided the forum to build on this relationship and to advance positions that are central to our trade and economic interests.
"I would welcome hosting Ambassador Kirk for AUSMINTT in Australia this year," the minister said.
As the United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Kirk is a member of President Obama’s Cabinet and will be the President’s principal trade advisor, negotiator and spokesperson on trade issues. He is the first African American to hold the post.
Ambassador Kirk is the sixteenth US Trade Representative and has more than 25 years of legislative and legal experience at the local, state and federal level. He was the mayor of Dallas from 1995 to 2002.
The United States is one of Australia's major economic partners. In 2007-2008 two-way goods and services trade was worth $49.7 billion, and preliminary figures for the September 2008 quarter show two-way investment levels at $837.2 billion.
Media Inquiries: Mr Crean's office 02 6277 7420 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555