New USTR chief in Paris for global trade meetings

New USTR chief in Paris for global trade meetings Newly appointed U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman will meet with trade ministers from the European Union, India, Brazil and Hong Kong in Paris May 2-4 to advance ongoing World Trade Organization Doha negotiations.
   “The Doha negotiations are hitting a critical phase, and negotiations are lagging, particularly in the critical market access areas of agriculture, goods, and services,” said the former congressman who was confirmed head USTR by the Senate on April 29, in a statement. “We must re-energize and sharpen the focus of the negotiations, while keeping ambition high.”
   The next WTO Ministerial will be held in Hong Kong in December.