NAM's New VP To Focus On International Economics

The Washington-based National Assn. of Manufacturers (NAM) announced that Franklin J. Vargo will join the group as vice president of international economic affairs this month. He replaces Howard Lewis III, who is leaving to take up other pursuits. Vargo will be responsible for helping NAM member companies develop policies and work with Congress and other agencies on matters relating to U.S. international trade, finance, and investment. In particular, he will lead efforts to achieve permanent trade relations status and World Trade Organization (WTO) membership for China, seek modernization of the U.S. export control system, and support reform of the nation's sanction's policies. Separately, NAM announced plans to create the Global Business Dialogue, a group that will be open to companies and associations throughout the world concerned with global issues related to business and governments.