New USTR on Mode 4

Trade Representative Portman indicated earlier this week he would take a cautious approach toward the issue of temporary mobility of workers. Services lobbyists say developing countries insist that their professionals must be able to come to the United States and other developed countries for periods of up to two years and bring their families if they are to relax regulations that make it difficult for multinational banks, insurance companies, travel agencies and other service businesses to operate in their countries. But members of the House and Senate Judiciary committees have said they do not believe it is an appropriate issue for trade negotiations. 'I would consult very carefully with the U.S. Congress. I understand the sensitivity of that issue,' Portman said in an interview. 'We need to be sure that nobody uses the Doha negotiations as a proxy for immigration reform. It's not going to be under my watch.' Portman also noted issues of temporary workers were included in the Singapore and Chile free trade agreements, but not in the more recent Australian agreement or the proposed Central America Free Trade Agreement.