A delegation from the Office of the United States Trade Representative, led by Ambassador Katherine Tai, visited Quito this week. The team included Chief Agricultural Negotiator Ambassador Doug McKalip and other officials.
Ambassador Tai participated in the First In-Person Ministerial Trade Meeting of the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity. This regional initiative was first announced at the 2022 Summit of the Americas and aims to promote economic recovery and growth in the Western Hemisphere. It seeks to address economic inequality, foster regional economic integration, support good jobs, and restore faith in democracy by aiding the working class throughout the region.
The meeting in Ecuador followed previous virtual meetings held under the Americas Partnership’s Trade Pathway. During a virtual Ministerial Meeting on March 18, member countries discussed how to enhance existing trade relations, deepen regional economic integration, and develop sustainable approaches to trade and investment. At the conclusion of this week's Quito Ministerial Meeting, a joint statement was issued outlining work on trade facilitation, SMEs, regulatory practices, value chains, and supply chains. The creation of committees on trade and labor as well as trade and environment was also announced.
In addition to participating in these discussions, Ambassador Tai's delegation met with Ecuadorian government officials to discuss bilateral trade cooperation. They explored opportunities for expanding markets for U.S. and Ecuadorian agricultural products among other areas for deepening their trade relationship.
On July 30th, as part of ongoing cooperation under the United States-Ecuador Trade and Investment Council, an SME Dialogue took place with participation from over 150 SMEs along with associations and government representatives from both countries. Various U.S. departments including State Department and Small Business Administration presented resources available to SMEs alongside Ecuador’s Ministry of Production.
Meetings were also held with business leaders including those from SMEs to discuss Ecuador's business climate as well as trends challenges faced by local agricultural importers dealing with U.S food products destined for their market.
Ambassador Katherine Tai has been serving as U.S Trade Representative since March 2021 acting also as principal advisor negotiator spokesperson regarding American trade policy issues within President Biden’s Cabinet framework.