LOS ANGELES—Secretary of State John Kerry on Tuesday touted the benefits of two major U.S. trade pacts that have faced skepticism from some members of Congress, trade groups and presidential candidates.
In a speech to a Los Angeles international policy group, Kerry said the trade agreements have broad benefits that include defending U.S. strategic interests and strengthening national security.
In February, foreign officials signed the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a massive trade deal involving the U.S. and 11 other Pacific Rim countries — a group whose total gross domestic product constitutes about 40 percent of global GDP. The deal, which includes rules for the international trade of drugs, cars and dairy products, still needs U.S. congressional approval.
Source: http://www.voanews.com/content/kerry-to-promote-benefits-of-landmark-trade-pacts/3280911.html
