U.S. Working to Advance Trade Issues Around the World | Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.

Highlights of Recent Discussions between the U.S. and Various Trading Partners

Mexico

At the third meeting of the U.S.-Mexico High-Level Economic Dialogue, the two sides noted ongoing efforts to support the reinforcement and expansion of supply chains in the semiconductor, information and communications technology, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals sectors and to boost the efficiency and digitization of trade procedures along their shared border.

They also pointed to their continuing work to advance projects related to border infrastructure, facilitating lawful cross-border trade and travel, and border security (including piloting a model port for cutting-edge inspection technologies), and reduce or eliminate counterfeit goods and pirated content from supply chains.

Atlantic Area

The U.S. and 31 other countries bordering the Atlantic Ocean agreed to establish the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation and adopt a plan of action for it that will initially focus on promoting greater scientific and technological cooperation. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that as part of this effort participants will strengthen free and open maritime trade, foster environmentally-sound fisheries and fishing practices, and develop resilient coastal economies.

Bangladesh

Labor issues were a dominant theme at the seventh meeting of the bilateral trade and investment cooperation forum agreement council. The U.S. emphasized combatting violence against workers and union organizers and ensuring a simplified and impartial trade union registration process. It also encouraged Bangladesh to extend freedom of association and collective bargaining to the country’s special economic zones and export processing zones and to dedicate more resources to labor inspections and enforcement.

On a separate issues, the U.S. discussed actions needed to address concerns with Bangladesh’s ranking as one of the top source economies for counterfeit clothing.

The U.S. noted progress in several areas, including:

1. Improvements in the draft version of Bangladesh’s Data Protection Act that remove criminal penalties, restrict the scope of the law to personal data, and limit its application to firms that process personal data within the country
2. The removal of Bangladesh’s longstanding fumigation requirement for U.S. cotton exports

Sri Lanka

At the 14th meeting of the bilateral trade and investment framework agreement council, the U.S. encouraged Sri Lanka to improve transparency and efficiency in approving foreign direct investment, implement more robust anti-corruption measures, consult with relevant stakeholders in drafting labor law reforms, provide greater market access for U.S. exports of agricultural products, and advance the use of biotechnology.

Sri Lanka urged better access to the U.S. market for its high-value and value-added agricultural products, such as organic spices and concentrates, and the extension of Generalized System of Preferences eligibility to apparel, textiles, and leather products.

Other topics of discussion included how the U.S. can assist in the development of Sri Lanka’s digital economy, gem and jewelry industry, floriculture, and boat-building sector.

Paraguay

At the second meeting of the bilateral trade and investment framework agreement council, Paraguay highlighted its progress in fulfilling its commitments under the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitate Agreement, including establishing a mechanism for advance publication and consultations on international trade issues. It also noted the renewal of its T-Fast program until 2025 and implementation of an electronic phytosanitary certification system.

Paraguay emphasized its interest in exporting raw beef products to the U.S. (which could happen soon given that the USDA’s regulatory approval process is underway), as well as sugar and non-traditional products, and in receiving GSP benefits.

U.S. priorities included addressing corruption risks and intellectual property protection in Paraguay.

Central Asia

The presidents of the U.S., Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan – the so-called C5+1 partnership – said they intend to work toward permanent normal trade relations status in the U.S. for these five Central Asian countries. They also plan to take “significant steps” to enhance alternative trade routes and facilitate new connections among U.S. and Central Asian businesses. Further, the U.S. said its Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment will evaluate opportunities to scale infrastructure investments to accelerate economic development, energy security, and connectivity in the Trans-Caspian trade route, or “Middle Corridor.”

Pacific Islands

At a U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum summit meeting, U.S. commitments included:

1. Launching a new demand-driven initiative to diversify trade opportunities in the region and increase competition to drive economic growth
2. Supporting regional partners’ ability to strengthen port security and customs, counter-trafficking, and anti-money laundering efforts
3. Training regional customs officials on clearing relief items in response to emergency situations
4. Helping to expand and develop systems to help regional banks comply with international anti-money laundering requirements

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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 14: Life Below Water
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The article discusses various issues related to trade, economic cooperation, labor rights, environmental sustainability, and international partnerships. These issues align with the Sustainable Development Goals mentioned above.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Based on the Article’s Content

• SDG 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure.
• SDG 14.6: Prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing.
• SDG 8.8: Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers.
• SDG 16.5: Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms.
• SDG 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development.

The targets mentioned above are relevant to the issues discussed in the article, such as promoting infrastructure development, sustainable fishing practices, labor rights, anti-corruption measures, and international partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

• Indicator 9.1.1: Proportion of the rural population who live within 2 km of an all-season road.
• Indicator 14.6.1: Progress by countries in the degree of implementation of international instruments aiming to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
• Indicator 8.8.1: Frequency rates of fatal and non-fatal occupational injuries.
• Indicator 16.5.1: Proportion of persons who had at least one contact with a public official and who paid a bribe to a public official.
• Indicator 17.16.1: Number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder development effectiveness monitoring frameworks that support the achievement of the sustainable development goals.

The indicators mentioned above can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. For example, the proportion of the rural population living within 2 km of an all-season road can indicate progress in infrastructure development (Target 9.1). The progress in implementing international instruments to combat illegal fishing can be measured to assess progress in sustainable fishing practices (Target 14.6). The frequency rates of occupational injuries can be monitored to evaluate the promotion of safe working environments (Target 8.8). The proportion of persons who paid bribes to public officials can be measured to assess progress in reducing corruption (Target 16.5). The number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder monitoring frameworks can indicate progress in enhancing global partnerships (Target 17.16).

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: strtrade.com

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