Today, the Department of Commerce released the following statement after the Australian government’s announcement that the first round of in-person negotiations for the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) will be hosted in Brisbane between December 10-15, 2022.

“We look forward to building on the foundation that the United States and its 13 partners established during the first in-person ministerial meeting of the Indo-Pacific Framework for Prosperity in September.

“The United States and its partners have a vision of creating a high standard, inclusive framework that will create economic opportunity, improve labor conditions, and promote sustainability that lifts all our economies.

“This first round of negotiations in Brisbane presents an opportunity to make meaningful progress towards achieving that shared vision, and we are excited by the prospect of what we can accomplish together and thank the Australian government for hosting this first negotiating round for IPEF.”