Rep. Bera Chairs House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee Hearing on the Strategic Importance of Digital Economic Engagement in the Indo-Pacific

Statement

Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, Central Asia, and Nonproliferation, today chaired a subcommittee hearing on the strategic importance of digital economic engagement in the Indo-Pacific.

"The Indo-Pacific is home to many of our closest allies and significant trading partners, with more than 662 million people and a combined GDP of $3.2 trillion," said Chairman Bera. "I have long supported deepening economic relations with our Indo-Pacific partners, and I believe we can do that in a way that protects and benefits American workers and strengthens the U.S. economy. I commend the Biden Administration for its continued prioritization of the region and its efforts toward developing an Indo-Pacific Economic Framework."

Chairman Bera continued: "Countries in the region have long been negotiating and implementing digital trade policies to stimulate economic growth and improve the livelihoods of their citizens. Although these conversations occur thousands of miles away, they have significant implications for data protection and privacy, trade facilitation, and other issues that affect the American people and economy. Despite the wide-reaching impact of these agreements in today's interconnected economy, the United States is not at the table to ensure that the standards and norms being established align with our shared democratic principles. The United States has a unique window of opportunity to economically reengage the region on this pivotal issue, and work with allies and partners to advance a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific underpinned by our shared commitment to democratic norms and principles."

Source