PRESS RELEASE
WDC-50-2021
19 OCTOBER 2021
19 OCTOBER 2021, WASHINGTON D.C. – The ASEAN Committee in Washington DC, chaired by Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez, met with US Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai to discuss opportunities in and prospects for the Southeast Asian region post-pandemic.
The Philippines currently holds the rotating chairmanship of the ACW.
In his remarks, Ambassador Romualdez urged Ambassador Tai to “choose ASEAN”, particularly in encouraging US companies to locate their businesses in the region. The USTR official responded by stressing that “the US is very much interested in being a good ally and partner and would like to work towards that goal.”
Discussions delved on key economic priorities of the ASEAN region, especially on the supply and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines which are key towards the region’s post-pandemic recovery.
In her remarks, Ambassador Tai stressed that the Biden-Harris administration remains committed to strengthening the US’ trade and economic relationship with ASEAN. She added that the USTR also looks forward to further engagement on supply chains, digital economy, labor, environment, and micro, small and medium enterprises under the US-ASEAN Trade and Investment Framework Agreement workplan. ###