US President Barrack Obama makes his first public remarks in front of business leaders at the U.S. Agriculture Department saying that he is confident that Congress will approve the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal.
The TPP could be the single defining agreement made under Obama.
The deal is set to liberalize the trade between all the 12 Pacific Rim nations. It is seen by many critics as useless as it will not give many advantages to the US.
Reuters reported that the agreement will affect many goods from the automotive industry, dairy products, to biotech drugs.
Obama speaks regarding the matter to the leaders as he is trying to convince others to approve the deal. Not only he needs to convince the opposition congress but he also needs to remove skepticism in his own party too to make sure the deal will go through.
Obama said during the meeting as quoted by Channel News Asia, "I've said repeatedly that I would only sign an agreement and present an agreement to Congress if I could be absolutely certain that it was good for American workers and good for American businesses, good for American farmers and good for American ranchers, and good for American manufacturers."
Details of the deal are still confidential and not many people besides those involve directly know details of the agreement.
However, Obama reassures the public will be able to view details of the agreement before congress begins voting for the controversial agreement which is set to take place before the next general election. USA Today reported that congress would need a minimum of 3 months to vote.
Although there are lots of pressure regarding the agreement, Obama said that the agreement will benefit the country greatly.
Obama in his defense statement said that all countries involve must make sure to abide by the rule in the agreement or they will not be able to enjoy the benefit of doing a transaction with the US.
The deal which can be considered as the world's largest free-trade zone will see 40 percent of world economies operating under the same rules. He was quoted to say "Under this agreement, we, rather than countries like China, are writing the rules for the global economy."
Obama and his advisors are expected to make lots of public speaking in the coming months to clarify and convince not only the congress and businessman but also the public regarding the 30 chapter agreement.
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