May 2, 2013
US | NZ Council Applauds Nominations of Froman and Pritzker for Trade Posts
The new USTR and Commerce Secretary have the opportunity to re-Invigorate the U.S. trade agenda and move TPP talks
toward a successful conclusion.
Washington, DC, May 2, 2013 – The United States | New Zealand Council today commended President Obama's nomination of
Michael Froman to be U.S. Trade Representative and Penny Pritzker to be U.S. Commerce Secretary.
"At a time when U.S. trade policy requires strong leadership, today's announcement is welcomed news," said William
Maroni, president of the US | NZ Council. "Given the challenges facing the global trading community, the positions of
U.S. Trade Representative and Secretary of Commerce have never been more important than they are now."
The US | NZ Council, an independent, non-partisan group that promotes trade and investment liberalization, praised the
choice of Michael Froman to be U.S. Trade Representative. As Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy National
Security Advisor for International Economic Affairs, he has been intimately involved in the Trans-Pacific Partnership
agreement and key trade policy decisions.
"Mr. Froman's experience ensures that momentum will continue uninterrupted for the TPP talks and other trade
initiatives," said Maroni. "This is essential, especially with regard to the Asia-Pacific region."
The US | NZ Council also applauded Commerce Secretary nominee Penny Pritzker. As a business executive, entrepreneur,
civic leader, and philanthropist, Ms. Pritzker will assume the helm of a 43,000-employee agency with responsibility for
enforcing U.S. trade laws and promoting American exports.
"Ms. Pritzker not only knows what it takes to build a successful global business," said Maroni. "Her commitment to
education and training issues underscores her understanding of what it will take to remain competitive in the world
economy."
The US | NZ Council urged the United States Senate to confirm both nominees swiftly, so they can begin their important
work without further delay.
About the United States | New Zealand Council
The US | NZ Council, which was established in 1985, is the only independent group dedicated exclusively to advancing
shared business, strategic, and cultural interests between the United States and New Zealand and throughout the
Asia-Pacific region. The Council promotes mutual objectives in trade, investment, economic growth, and security; and
provides thought leadership on important Asia-Pacific regional matters. Attend the Council's 2013 Pacific Partnership Forum in Washington, DC, May 19 - 21 by visiting www.USNZcouncil.org
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