NBR has just released a new commentary by Edward Gresser (ProgressiveEconomy) that explores the arguments behind including a trade element in the U.S.
shift toward the Asia-Pacific. A link to the full briefing and a summary are below:
"Does U.S. Pacific Policy Need a Trade Policy? And if So, Is the Trans-Pacific Partnership the Right One?"

By Edward Gresser, ProgressiveEconomy

Link: http://m.nbr.org/HjfTuP

SUMMARY

The United States has made a renewed commitment to engagement in the prosperous and dynamic Asia-Pacific region. This engagement, termed a "pivot" or "rebalance" toward the region, upgrades U.S. strategic, economic, and diplomatic ties.

In this NBR Expert Commentary, Edward Gresser
(ProgressiveEconomy) explores the question of whether U.S. strategy in the Asia-Pacific should include a trade component.

Setting the stage for discussion at NBR's Engaging Asia conference on April 18, Mr. Gresser argues that while the United States' shift toward Asia requires a trade policy, the Trans-Pacific Partnership in its current form may not be the right strategy, due to its limited size and other causes for concern.

Link: http://m.nbr.org/HjfTuP

RELATED EVENT

Engaging Asia 2012 - April 18 - Washington, D.C.

NBR will host a half-day conference on "Strategies for a Shift toward the Asia-Pacific" to provide high-level expert insight on the key elements that the United States must consider in order to sustain its focus on Asia, with a special emphasis on the role of Congress.
Event highlights will include insights from Congressman Charles Boustany, Jr., Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell, trade expert Edward Gresser, and Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific Barbara Weisel.

Learn more at http://m.nbr.org/GIhEkW

RSVP to Sonia Luthra at NBRdc@nbr.org.

Tracy Timmons-Gray

The National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR)

Seattle, WA

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