Lawmakers, business laud Obama Pacific trade step

By Mark Felsenthal

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Advocates of greater U.S. foreign trade praised a U.S. move to connect with a Pacific regional bloc, saying it marks a welcome step forward by the Obama administration.

President Barack Obama on Saturday in Tokyo said the United States would enter negotiations with the Trans-Pacific partnership, a regional group aimed at smoothing trade flows between nations on the Pacific rim.

The move is a cautious first step toward a more expansive trade policy. The White House has delayed pushing for free trade agreements to avoid alienating political allies while it pursues healthcare reform and other domestic priorities.

Pro-trade advocates said the U.S. willingness to open talks with the bloc ensures it will not be left behind as other nations cut trade barriers for one another.

"Rather than being on the sidelines as many Asian nations conclude their own trade and investment agreements, the United States will be an equal and active participant in the most important new trade liberalization effort in the region," said Calman Cohen, president of the Emergency Committee for American Trade business group.

A key lawmaker also praised the move, saying it would help create jobs in the United States and maintain links to an economically dynamic region.

"The Asia-Pacific region will continue to grow and economically integrate in the coming years," said Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus.

The United States hopes boosting exports will accelerate its recovery from deep recession. But some exporters have criticized Obama for failing to actively seek deals with trading partners that would open doors to U.S. manufacturers.