US tries to keep up pace on free trade

Charlene Barshefsky, the outgoing United States Trade Representative, has attempted to steer the Bush administration towards completing a series of initiatives, including the proposed free-trade agreement (FTA) with Singapore.

In a joint statement released yesterday with Trade and Industry Minister George Yeo, Ms Barshefsky praised progress made towards a deal and said Washington and Singapore 'remain committed to achieving a comprehensive FTA that will increase the flow of trade and investment'.

George W. Bush, who will be inaugurated as the 43rd president of the US tomorrow, has appointed Robert Zoellick to replace Ms Barshefsky.

Mr Zoellick has a reputation as a strong supporter of free trade.

Ms Barshefsky also attempted to maintain the US momentum towards the creation of the Free Trade Area of the Americas, covering the 34 democratically elected governments in the Western hemisphere.

In a separate statement released in Washington, Ms Barshefsky said the Clinton administration had drawn up a single trade area text. She suggested that the deal could be concluded in 2003, two years ahead of schedule.

On the Singapore talks, Mr Yeo and Ms Barshefsky said a third round would be held 'as soon as possible', and sent experts to continue discussions in the meantime.