Statement by the American Legislative Exchange Council on the Conclusion of TPP Negotiations

The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) applauds the efforts of the U.S. negotiating team that concluded the groundbreaking Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement and recognizes the hard work that went into the culmination of a trade pact with 12 negotiating partners representing a wide geographical area, with levels of economic development ranging from less developed to the largest economy on the planet.

ALEC has model policy supporting the negotiation of a high quality TPP dating back almost six years and has eagerly anticipated the conclusion of this agreement encompassing 40 percent of the world economy, with strong strategic implications for the Asia-Pacific region. ALEC commends the flexibility in TPP to admit new members and already has prospective nations in mind that should receive invitations to join the trade pact.

ALEC also takes very seriously the assertion that TPP would set the standard for future free trade agreements (FTAs) for years to come. Precisely because TPP is such an historic agreement that will serve as a template for future FTAs, it is crucial for the trade agreement  to meet the ambitious goals the negotiating team sets. In addition to general model policy on the importance of negotiating a high standard agreement, ALEC has model policy emphasizing the importance of ensuring the U.S. only enter into comprehensive FTAs because carve-outs of specific legal products violates the purpose and spirit of a free trade agreement. ALEC also supports the inclusion of strong intellectual property provisions, as innovation underpins the job and economic growth nations expect a high quality TPP to produce.

ALEC looks forward to reviewing the final text of the agreement in the coming weeks to determine if this historic agreement meets its ambitious goals.