WASHINGTON–Ronald Kirk hopes to bring a little bit of Dallas to the world.
WASHINGTON–Ronald Kirk hopes to bring a little bit of Dallas to the world.
The first Black mayor of that city plans to use lessons he learned there in his new role as U.S. Trade Representative. He was recently sworn into the Cabinet-level position by Vice President Joe Biden.
Kirk is the first African-American to assume the position. His title is that of ambassador.
Kirk’s office is responsible for the development and oversight of U.S. trade policy, including strategy, negotiation, implementation and enforcement of the country’s trade agreements.
He will also oversee the country’s trade policy involving agriculture, industry, services and investment, intellectual property, environment, labor, development and preference programs.
Kirk said he wants to get small businesses more involved in international trade, a strategy he used to boost Dallas businesses.
“I support free and fair trade and want small businesses to participate in that,” Kirk said. “In Dallas, we saw how free trade benefits everyone, and we can do that on the national level.”
Kirk said that the United States “will not retreat from leadership of the global marketplace.”
During a short confirmation hearing on March 9 before the Senate Finance Committee, Kirk said that he will look at the trade agreements of the Bush administration and decide whether to continue those policies or make changes.
Kirk said he and President Obama believe trade agreements should have high environmental standards and protect labor union rights for workers in trading partner nations. While Kirk has supported the North American Free Trade Agreement, he agrees with Obama that it deserves another look, in the face of the global recession.
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