Defense Secretary Ash Carter today congratulated Ambassador Michael Froman and the U.S. negotiating team for reaching a historic trade agreement with 11 other Asia-Pacific nations that make up the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
In a statement, Carter said American military strength rests on the foundation of a vibrant economy, and TPP will bolster strong economic growth by boosting exports and increasing access to growing markets.
“As President [Barack] Obama has said, and as I've made repeatedly clear, TPP also makes strong strategic sense as a critical piece of our rebalance toward the Asia-Pacific,” the secretary said. “Our strategy is to promote an Asia-Pacific regional security architecture where everyone rises and prospers. By building partnerships through principle, openness, and high standards, TPP will help reduce regional instability and cement American influence and leadership in this fast-growing region in the world.”