Telecommunications Industry Association President Matthew Flanigan has congratulated Rep. Rob Portman on his nomination as U.S. trade representative.
Flanigan spoke after President Bush selected Portman, R-Ohio, for the position.
"TIA congratulates Rep. Portman on his nomination as the United States Trade Representative -- he brings a deep knowledge and experience to the job," says Flanigan. "We look forward to working with him on issues vital to the communications industry, such as gaining further access to critical markets, eliminating technical barriers to trade, and facilitating the deployment of communications infrastructure and services around the world.
"TIA has long been an advocate of free trade," Flanigan continues. "Avidly supporting numerous technology and service-related agreements in the World Trade Organization, the association will work with Rep. Portman and his staff during the Doha Round of negotiations and in bilateral and multilateral free trade talks."
Flanigan says the TIA will continue to stress trade priorities in Congress. The TIA has long supported passage of critical trade legislation such as the establishment of Permanent Normal Trade Relations with China, Trade Promotion Authority and specific agreements, he says.
"We are currently encouraging members of Congress to pass the Central America Free Trade Agreement and look forward to assisting Representative Portman and his staff on this and upcoming trade issues," says Flanigan.
The TIA is based in Arlington, VA. For more information visit www.tiaonline.org.
