Administration Looking At Potential Of The Indo-Pacific

The Indo-Pacific region of the world holds potential promise for U.S. Ag exports. USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Daniel Whitley said while the Biden administration is developing an Indo-Pacific framework, he emphasizes that it is, "not a trade agreement; it's not a trade agreement."

However, he believes such discussions could lead to removal of trade barriers and perhaps increased trade in a promising market for U.S. agriculture.

"Southeast Asia...now here's how I define SE Asia: Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.  Indo-Pacific encompasses most of that and adds others like Japan, Korea, Australia and New Zealand.  But those five are an amazing opportunity for American agriculture moving forward."

Whitley noted that due to the regions growing middle class population and increased purchasing power.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekmedia.com