AmCham Singapore participates each year
in the annual Asia-Pacific Council of American Chambers of Commerce
(APCAC) Washington DC Doorknock. AmCham Singapore participates in the
Doorknock so we can meet with members of Congress and the Executive
Branch of the U.S. government to share insights on how the U.S.
government can support U.S. businesses operating in Asia.
Highlights of the 2011 Doorknock June 12 to 15, 2011 - A
delegation of 36 from across Asia-Pacific gathered in Washington to
meet with members of Congress and the Executive Branch of the U.S.
government and to share insights on how the U.S. government can support
U.S. businesses operating in Asia and improve the world
economy. Participating delegates from AmCham Singapore
included Steve Okun, Andy McGuire, Ed Sim, Landis Hicks, Grace Park,
and Anne Marie Brooks.
This was part of the Asia-Pacific Council of American Chambers of
Commerce (APCAC) annual doorknock to Washington DC. At the Doorknock,
the delegation met with members of Congress and the Executive Branch of
the U.S. government and to share insights on how the U.S. government
can support U.S. businesses operating in Asia and improve the world
economy.
Highlights of the trip included meetings with officials from USTR, the
State Department, and several Senators and Members of
Congress.
At the Doorknock, the delegation urged Congress and the
Administration to seize these important opportunities:
Leverage APEC 2011 to drive US engagement with Asia. Forge
agreement on APEC initiatives to promote regional integration through
consistent and efficient customs clearance procedures, enhanced supply
chain connectivity, and facilitation of trade in environmental goods
and services. Support moves for regulatory transparency and the rule of
law, which let U.S. firms compete fairly. Support an APEC Financial
Inclusion Initiative to facilitate credit access for SMEs and consumers
in the region, which will increase demand for U.S. goods and services.
Pass legislation to issue the APEC Business Travel Card to U.S.
business people, creating a level playing field with their Asian
competitors.
Support
KORUS and TPP: Anchor the US in Asia’s evolving trade architecture. Pass
KORUS. Press forward for an agreement with our TPP partners by the APEC
Summit in November. Make TPP cover goods and services and
behind-the-border trade barriers as well as conventional issues like
tariffs, making it a model for an eventual Free Trade Area of the
Asia-Pacific (FTAAP). Consult closely with the private sector on
measuring success and negotiating final language of the agreement.
Energize the National Export Initiative. Provide the
President with Trade Promotion Authority. Increase resources for the
Foreign Commercial Service.
Level the Playing Field for US business. Amend U.S. tax
policies to make American corporations competitive with foreign
competitors, and American citizens working abroad competitive compared
to other expatriates. Fight discriminatory measures in other countries,
such as foreign ownership caps, local content rules, unfair or unclear
transfer pricing rules, and preferences for state affiliated
enterprises that allow them to compete unfairly with private sector
companies. Press for measures to open cross-border capital and data
flows, stimulating market access for U.S. services firms.
AmCham Singapore participates each year
in the annual Asia-Pacific Council of American Chambers of Commerce
(APCAC) Washington DC Doorknock. AmCham Singapore participates in the
Doorknock so we can meet with members of Congress and the Executive
Branch of the U.S. government to share insights on how the U.S.
government can support U.S. businesses operating in Asia. 
