US to Host Virtual Meeting on Tuesday of Indo-Pacific Trade, Economic Ministers

US to Host Virtual Meeting on Tuesday of Indo-Pacific Trade, Economic Ministers
U.S. President Joe Biden listens to other leaders joining the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) launch event virtually, at Izumi Garden Gallery in Tokyo on May 23, 2022. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)
Reuters
7/25/2022
Updated:
7/25/2022
0:00

WASHINGTON—The United States will host a virtual meeting on Tuesday of officials representing the 14 countries that have joined the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), as Washington seeks to expand its engagement with Asia.

The ministerial meeting will be hosted by U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, their offices announced in a statement on Sunday.

President Joe Biden, who launched the IPEF in May on a trip to Tokyo, wants to use it as a way to raise environmental, labor, and other standards across Asia.

In addition to the United States, the IPEF members comprise Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Topics for discussion at Tuesday’s meeting include trade, supply chains, clean energy, infrastructure, taxes, and combating corruption, the statement said.