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US business lobby group hails US TPP negotiators

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The Asia Pacific Council of American Chambers of Commerce (APCAC) has congratulated the US Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiators after the long-awaited deal was finally approved after intense talks between signatories.

APCAC praised the team, led by United States Trade Representative Michael Froman, Wendy Cutler, Acting Deputy USTR and Barbara Weisel, Assistant USTR for Southeast Asia and the Pacific. It said their “skill, hard work, and sacrifice” had resulted in an unprecedented agreement that has the potential to secure American commercial engagement in Asia-Pacific for generations.

The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is a trade deal between most Pacific Rim countries and covers a wide range of economic and trade issues – including lowering barriers such as tariffs and beefing up IP regulations. The deal was thrashed out in a final round of talks in Atlanta and took over five years to broker.

“TPP represents the very best of American leadership. Each of the parties now returns to their respective capitals to discuss the agreement’s details and seek legislative approval. APCAC welcomes this transparent process and we urge the U.S. Congress to approve this Agreement with bipartisan support so that American businesses and workers can begin utilizing the full potential of TPP,” said Jackson Cox, Chairman of APCAC.

“Trade liberalization moves forward across the region with or without the TPP. Being part of the TPP ensures the U.S. remains a leader in the region, and not relegated to the sidelines,” said Steven Okun, Vice Chairman of APCAC for TPP.

“Consideration of the TPP will take place in the most transparent way possible, and we look forward to engaging in a constructive dialogue to show how the TPP will be a win-win,” Okun added.