Press Release

Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, Central Asia, and Nonproliferation, today chaired a subcommittee hearing on the strategic importance of digital economic engagement in the Indo-Pacific.

"The Indo-Pacific is home to many of our closest allies and significant trading partners, with more than 662 million people and a combined GDP of $3.2 trillion," said Chairman Bera. "I have long supported deepening economic relations with our Indo-Pacific partners, and I believe we can do that in a way that protects and benefits American workers and strengthens the U.S. economy. I commend the Biden Administration for its continued prioritization of the region and its efforts toward developing an Indo-Pacific Economic Framework."

Chairman Bera continued: "Countries in the region have long been negotiating and implementing digital trade policies to stimulate economic growth and improve the livelihoods of their citizens. Although these conversations occur thousands of miles away, they have significant implications for data protection and privacy, trade facilitation, and other issues that affect the American people and economy. Despite the wide-reaching impact of these agreements in today's interconnected economy, the United States is not at the table to ensure that the standards and norms being established align with our shared democratic principles. The United States has a unique window of opportunity to economically reengage the region on this pivotal issue, and work with allies and partners to advance a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific underpinned by our shared commitment to democratic norms and principles."

Expert witnesses included Ms. Christine Bliss, President, Coalition of Services Industry; Ms. Wendy S. Cutler, Vice President, Asia Society Policy Institute; and Mr. David Feith, Adjunct Senior Fellow, Indo-Pacific Security Program, Center for a New American Security.

Click here to watch a recording of the hearing.

Click here to read Chairman Bera's opening remarks

In November 2021, Chairman Bera and Ranking Member Steve Chabot (R-OH) led 22 bipartisan members of Congress in a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai urging the Biden Administration to pursue a digital trade agreement with partners in the Indo-Pacific. In October 2021, Chairman Bera penned an op-ed encouraging the Biden Administration to prioritize a forward-looking and impactful economic and trade agenda with the Indo-Pacific region, especially when it comes to digital trade.