Crapo: United States Must Chart Ambitious Trade Policy in the Indo-Pacific

Washington, D.C.--At a U.S. Senate Finance Committee hearing on trade engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) highlighted the importance of free trade agreements and market access commitments.  

On reestablishing leadership on trade in the Indo-Pacific Region:

To view these remarks, click HERE or the image above.

“Vibrant economic and trade links are an essential part of building confidence, trust and cooperation in different areas of the world and at different levels of geo-political engagement.  Putin’s invasion of Ukraine makes it abundantly clear that the United States must increase its focus on ‘Strategic Trade Engagement,’ and as part of that, reestablish its leadership on trade relations in the Indo-Pacific region.”

On deepening trade ties to counter China’s influence:

To view these remarks, click HERE or the image above.

“We must strategically deepen our trade ties to ensure we and our allies have secure access to energy, critical minerals and sensitive technologies.  We must also develop rules for digital trade that enshrine openness and freedom.  If we do not write the rules, China will. . . Economically, our workers, businesses and farmers will lose out on important opportunities if we stay on the sidelines.”  

Watch Senator Crapo’s full opening statement HERE, or read it HERE.

Crapo recently visited key allies and partners in Southeast Asia, supporting the Indo-Pacific Command’s mission to continue building security cooperation in the region and strengthen bilateral ties.  The trip included visits with officials in the Philippines, Taiwan and India.  Taiwan is Idaho’s second largest trade partner, accounting for more than $413 million in Idaho products in 2020.  

Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has made it abundantly clear that the United States must increase its focus on strategic trade, and reestablish its leadership on trade relations in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly as China increases its trade presence in the region.

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