SINGAPORE, Oct. 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (AmCham) urges the United States Congress to support the creation of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and take action to ensure its successful conclusion. The TPP is a landmark free-trade agreement that will promote American growth and jobs. It covers an unprecedented range of sectors important to our economy including commodities, services, and new technologies, and sets standards that will shape commerce in the 21st century.
With a population of almost 800 million and a combined GDP that represents over 40% of the world total, the 12 negotiating parties -- which include Singapore as well as its ASEAN neighbors Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam -- can expect to reap immense economic benefits from increased trade volumes and stronger economic ties within the TPP grouping. This will create jobs in member economies and provide more opportunities for companies of all sizes to grow and expand their reach in the region. Small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) have been a particular focus in the negotiations.
In addition, the TPP will incorporate 21st century cross-cutting "horizontal" issues such as regulatory coherence and transparency that will improve the environment for trade and investment in the region. These are issues faced by companies across all countries and sectors; addressing them ensures that growth-stimulating regional integration will proceed more smoothly and efficiently.
AmCham welcomes the comprehensive access to markets that the TPP is expected to bring to companies in the region. One of the defining features of the TPP is its commitment to liberalizing trade across all sectors in a non-discriminatory manner. A successful TPP will revolutionize international trade in the Asia-Pacific region.
James Andrade, AmCham Singapore Chairman, stated, "The Asia-Pacific region will continue to see high growth rates for years to come. The TPP will enable American companies to take advantage of this environment through deeper trade and investment ties in the region. Increased regulatory coherence will be especially helpful for smaller firms that want to establish operations in multiple locations in the Asia-Pacific region."
"AmCham Singapore applauds the ground-breaking work on the TPP of U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman and his negotiating team. The TPP will enable AmCham members to grow their business in the region. In addition to providing immediate benefits for American firms, increased trade also stimulates economic growth locally. This will add a significant boost for our members' business interests in TPP economies," AmCham Singapore Executive Director Judith Fergin said.
Background
The American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore is the leading international business association in Singapore with over 5,000 members representing more than 750 companies. American companies' direct investment in Singapore exceeds an estimated S$195 billion.
For further information, contact:
Thomas H. McNutt
Head of Government & Public Affairs
Phone: +65-6597-5732
Email: tmcnutt@amcham.org.sg
