TIA Statement on Announcement to Nominate Ambassador Robert Lighthizer to be United States Trade Representative

Arlington, VA (January 3, 2017) – The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), the leading association representing the manufacturers and suppliers of high-tech communications networks, today welcomed the nomination of Ambassador Robert Lighthizer to be the next United States Trade Representative (USTR) under the administration of President-elect Donald Trump.

TIA Board Chairman and Interim CEO David Heard issued the following statement:

“Congratulations to Ambassador Lighthizer for being selected to serve as the next United States Trade Representative. He has deep and impressive credentials on trade, including extensive experience handling trade issues at both USTR and on Capitol Hill, as well as in the private sector.

“By strongly advocating for America’s trading partners to abide by established global trading norms, the U.S. government can play a critical and important role in promoting exports of innovative U.S. goods and services. Overseas markets are important not just to TIA’s larger member companies, but also to the seventy percent of our members with annual revenues under $20 million. Effective trade enforcement that supports their international business will in turn aid job growth here at home and boost the nation’s economy.

“TIA’s member companies look forward to working with Amb. Lighthizer and other key trade officials in the new administration to help ensure American businesses that supply the building blocks for the fast-growing digital economy can compete fairly in overseas markets.”

Contact

Ashley Simmons, 703-907-7704, asimmons@tiaonline.org

About TIA

The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) represents manufacturers and suppliers of global communications networks through standards development, policy and advocacy, business opportunities, market intelligence, and events and networking. TIA enhances the business environment for broadband, mobile wireless, information technology, networks, cable, satellite and unified communications. Members' products and services empower communications in every industry and market, including healthcare, education, security, public safety, transportation, government, the military, the environment, and entertainment. Visit tiaonline.org for more details. TIA is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and is a proud sponsor of ANSI’s Standards Boost Business campaign. Visit www.standardsboostbusiness.org for details.