JOBS & THE ECONOMY
As a former diplomat, trade official, Governor and business executive, I’ve witnessed firsthand the tremendous economic opportunities of free and fair trade. As President, I will work tirelessly to open more global markets for American businesses.
TIME TO COMPETE
An American Jobs Plan
Trade
Free trade supports nearly 18 million American jobs, and establishing new lines of trade with international partners represents an enormous well of untapped economic and political goodwill.
95 percent of the world's customers live outside our borders, and with the United States party to only 17 of the more than 300 trade agreements worldwide, opening markets and expanding a customer base for American businesses is a commonsense tool to spark growth.
America's strength lies in our creative class, our entrepreneurial spirit, and in governance wise enough to allow our great companies to compete in the international marketplace. The countries that lead in defining the new trading system will be the countries that benefit the most. If we don't assume the mantle of leadership, our economy will be relegated to competing in a marketplace defined by our competitors.
We won't remain the most productive economy in the world if we embrace the mistaken belief that we can prosper by selling and buying only among ourselves, while other countries seize the extraordinary opportunities for economic growth that the global economy offers.
A PROVEN RECORD
Gov. Huntsman has decades of experience, witnessing firsthand the benefits of trade to American businesses and consumers.
- Gov. Huntsman served as Deputy U.S. Trade Representative for President George W. Bush, and helped negotiate free trade agreements in Asia and Africa.
- As Ambassador to Singapore and Ambassador to China, Gov. Huntsman helped expand markets for American exports.
- In Utah, Gov. Huntsman aggressively pursued trade, led trade missions overseas, and helped double Utah's exports.
TRADE PROPOSALS
Pursue New Trade Opportunities, Particularly Across the Pacific
It is in the strategic interest of the United States to reach trade agreements with the world's largest economies that share our values.
Thus, the United States should take the lead in initiating free trade agreements with Japan, India and Taiwan, among others. We must begin to send a message to the world that we will once again lead on trade liberalization.
Support the Doha Development Round of World Trade Organization Negotiations
Although discussions have stalled, the United States should urge completion of the multi-lateral negotiations aimed at promoting free trade between nations of varying prosperity, which will benefit both developed and developing nations.
Lead in Reaching a Successful Conclusion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)
Gov. Huntsman's Administration will make completion of the TPP a priority. This framework would open the markets of Australia, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam to U.S. goods.
