Federal Trade Committee Includes Indigenous Appointee

The United States has taken a significant step towards integrating diverse perspectives into its trade policy and negotiations framework with the appointment of Chris James to the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations.

This committee, crucial in advising the United States Trade Representative, impacts a broad spectrum of trade-related areas, including the development, implementation, and administration of U.S. trade policy. James’s appointment heralds a new chapter in ensuring that Indigenous economic interests are represented at the highest levels of trade policy decision-making.

With a distinguished career dedicated to the economic empowerment of American Indian and Alaska Native communities, Chris James brings a unique blend of expertise and experience to the committee. As the President and CEO of The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, he has been at the forefront of initiatives that have significantly advanced Native American economic development.

His leadership has not only resulted in the organization tripling its revenue but has also expanded its influence and reach, providing invaluable resources and support to Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses.

The Reservation Economic Summit and the Native Edge Institute series, under James’s guidance, have become cornerstone events in the Native American economic development calendar. These initiatives have fostered an environment where Indigenous entrepreneurs can gain essential skills, access new opportunities, and connect with larger markets, including international trade arenas.

Such efforts align closely with the advisory committee’s objectives, particularly in formulating trade policies that consider the diverse fabric of the American economy, including its Indigenous components.

James’s background is rich with experiences that bridge the gap between government and Indigenous economic interests. His roles in the U.S. Department of Treasury and the U.S. Small Business Administration have endowed him with a deep understanding of the intricacies of policymaking and its impacts on small businesses and rural economies.

Initiatives like Supplier Pay and Startup in a Day showcase his commitment to enhancing business efficiency and fostering an environment conducive to entrepreneurship. These experiences will be invaluable in advising on trade policies that are sensitive to the needs of all economic sectors, especially those traditionally underserved or overlooked.

The Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations, by including voices like James’s, underscores a commitment to a more inclusive approach to trade policy formulation. The committee’s diverse makeup, encompassing representatives from non-federal governments, labor, industry, agriculture, small business, service industries, and more, ensures a holistic view of trade policy’s impact on the American economy.

James’s role in this committee is particularly significant, offering a direct channel through which the concerns and aspirations of Native American and Alaska Native communities can influence the United States’ trade strategies.

Chris James’s appointment to the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations is a strategic move towards a more equitable and inclusive U.S. trade policy.