Deputy U.S. Trade Representatives Confirmed by Senate
On October 28, 2005, the U.S. Senate confirmed Karan K. Bhatia and Dr. Susan C. Schwab as Deputy United States Trade Representatives. The nominees were confirmed by voice vote less than six weeks after they were nominated.
Bhatia will lead U.S. efforts to open new markets and enforce existing trade agreements in Asia and Africa. His responsibilities will include leading trade efforts with China, continuing the negotiations on free trade agreements with Thailand and the Southern African Customs Union and strengthening U.S. trade relations with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and South Asian economies. In addition, he will supervise USTR global negotiations on pharmaceuticals, labor and the environment.
Dr. Schwab will be responsible for supervising U.S. trade negotiations with Europe and the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean, Mexico and Canada. In addition, she will supervise negotiations on accessions to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and will lead the negotiations for services, investment and intellectual property during the Doha Development Agenda. She will also oversee the Industry, Market Access and Telecommunications and the Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Liaison departments.