Reuters

U.S. says new Indo-Pacific economic framework not typical trade deal

The United States’ planned Indo-Pacific economic framework will be inclusive and flexible, and will not be structured like a typical free trade deal, its commerce secretary Gina Raimondo said on Thursday. In a teleconference call during a visit to Malaysia, Raimondo said discussions on the framework are in preliminary stages, but could involve several key areas including the digital economy, supply chain resiliency, infrastructure, export control, and clean energy. “We absolutely do not envision this to be a traditional trade agreement,” she said, adding that the U.S. will develop the framework with allies in the months to come.