Good morning, everyone. Welcome to Los Angeles. And thank you to my colleagues who made the trip across the Pacific. Katherine and I are thrilled to host you for the first in-person Indo-Pacific Economic Framework Ministerial for all four Pillars. This Ministerial is an opportunity to have constructive discussions, build rapport among our teams, align our expectations, and plan the path forward...

On September 8, 2022, the U.S. Department of Commerce launched the IPEF Upskilling Initiative primarily for women and girls in support of the objectives of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) to achieve sustainable and inclusive economic growth while advancing greater competitiveness in the region. Over the next decade, the Initiative will bring 7 million or more training and...

Private Sector Commitments Will Provide Digital Skills to Seven Million Women and Girls Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) launched the IPEF Upskilling Initiative , a public-private endeavor to support sustainable and inclusive economic growth by providing primarily women and girls in IPEF emerging economies and middle-income partners...

Today, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo spoke with Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoshimasa Hayashi about the importance of continued coordination between the United States and Japan on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF). During their call, the Secretary thanked Minister Hayashi for Japan’s close partnership and support for IPEF ahead of the IPEF Ministerial this...

Today, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo met virtually with Japan’s Trade Minister for Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) Yasutoshi Nishimura to congratulate him on his recent appointment to the position. The two discussed the ongoing work and support for the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) and U.S.-Japan cooperation on common bilateral goals, under the Japan-U.S...

After the successful bipartisan passage of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 and bill signing by President Joseph R. Biden, the Commerce Department announced Thursday the launch of the CHIPS.gov website . This new online resource, which includes implementation priorities established in an Executive Order signed by the President , will inform the implementation of the program. “The Commerce...

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai today announced that they will co-host an Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Ministerial in Los Angeles, California on September 8-9, 2022. The first in-person Ministerial builds on the constructive virtual meetings with 13 Indo-Pacific partners held this year before and after President Biden...

Council Advises the Secretary on Issues Affecting Foreign Business Investment and Economic Development Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the names of 34 international business and economic leaders who will advise the Secretary of Commerce on how government policies and programs affect the United States’ ability to attract and facilitate foreign business investment. "For the...

Last week, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves traveled to San Juan, Puerto Rico where he announced the intent for the US Government to partner with the Government of Puerto Rico to hold an economic dialogue in Washington D.C. in the fall, as well as his new role as Puerto Rico Economic Growth Coordinator. Surrounding the announcement, the Deputy Secretary also participated in several...

Today, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan Koichi Hagiuda met following the inaugural Economic Policy Consultative Committee (EPCC, or Economic “2+2”) to discuss next steps to make progress on shared goals established through the 2+2 and other bilateral initiatives such as the Japan-U.S. Commercial and Industrial Partnership . The Secretary also...