AAFA Encourages Further Reduction of Foreign Trade Barriers
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) released the following statement regarding the publication of the National Trade Estimate Report. The NTE Report is an annual review coordinated by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) of foreign trade barriers faced by U.S. exporters.
"Given the current challenges of a global economy in recovery, it is more important than ever for all nations who participate in the global trading system to adhere to their international obligations," said AAFA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke. "Now that we have taken stock of the trade landscape, the United States should lead by example to further encourage others to open their borders to U.S. goods. One way to achieve meaningful reductions in foreign trade barriers is through a successful conclusion to the Doha Round of trade negotiations at the World Trade Organization."
"While the NTE Report indicates that the U.S. government remains on the side of U.S. businesses and manufacturers facing international trade barriers, we must be vigilant against emerging isolationist trends," said Burke. "As Ambassador Kirk settles into his new post and begins formulating a trade agenda for America, I urge him to keep focused on opening markets both here and abroad for the benefit of the U.S. apparel and footwear industry competing in the global market."
To read AAFA's November 5, 2008 comments submitted to USTR on the NTE Report, please visit the AAFA Web site .
"Given the current challenges of a global economy in recovery, it is more important than ever for all nations who participate in the global trading system to adhere to their international obligations," said AAFA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke. "Now that we have taken stock of the trade landscape, the United States should lead by example to further encourage others to open their borders to U.S. goods. One way to achieve meaningful reductions in foreign trade barriers is through a successful conclusion to the Doha Round of trade negotiations at the World Trade Organization."
"While the NTE Report indicates that the U.S. government remains on the side of U.S. businesses and manufacturers facing international trade barriers, we must be vigilant against emerging isolationist trends," said Burke. "As Ambassador Kirk settles into his new post and begins formulating a trade agenda for America, I urge him to keep focused on opening markets both here and abroad for the benefit of the U.S. apparel and footwear industry competing in the global market."
To read AAFA's November 5, 2008 comments submitted to USTR on the NTE Report, please visit the AAFA Web site .