February 28, 2024

MESA, AZ – Chris James, President and CEO of The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, has been appointed by President Joe Biden to the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations. The committee was established to provide overall policy advice to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on matters arising in connection with the development, implementation, and administration of the trade policy of the United States. The Committee includes up to 45 members recommended by the U.S. Trade Representative who are appointed by the President and have expertise in general trade, investment, and development issues, including representatives of non-federal governments, labor, industry, agriculture, small business, service industries, retailers, nongovernmental environmental and conservation organizations, and consumer interests.

“It’s truly an honor to serve the Biden administration in this capacity,” said James. “I am deeply committed to supporting innovative trade strategies that will strengthen both our Native and national economies. American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian business owners should have access to international markets and the policies governing international trade. I will use this position to ensure our community always has a seat at the table for these discussions. I am grateful to President Biden, Ambassador Tai, and the team at USTR for their commitment to fostering trade policies that are inclusive of all of America.”

Some of the topics addressed by the committee include negotiating objectives and bargaining positions before entering into trade agreements, the impact of the implementation of trade agreements, matters concerning the operation of any trade agreement once entered into, and other matters arising in connection with the development, implementation, and administration of the trade policy of the United States.

Trade has become an increasingly important focus area for The National Center. In 2022, The National Center established the Arizona MBDA Export Center to serve the growing market for cross-border Indigenous trade. In 2023, The National Center and the International Trade Administration (ITA) signed a memorandum of agreement at the Select USA Investment Summit to foster both exports from and foreign direct investment in Indian Country. The National Center’s team has participated in international forums and dialogues, including the World Economic Forum sponsored by the World Trade Organization and a trade mission to Africa sponsored by ITA. In addition, USTR Ambassador Katherine Tai will be a featured speaker at the upcoming 2024 Reservation Economic Summit (RES).

CONTACT: Lewis Lowe

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