Jim Sanford Appointed Small Business Trade Representative

A new federal position has been created to oversee small and midsize business trade issues, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said Jan. 21.

Assistant U.S. Trade Representative (AUSTR) for Market Access and Industrial Competitiveness Jim Sanford will add small-business responsibilities to his title, said U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk.

In this new role, Sanford will help ensure that USTR's trade-policy efforts address the challenges facing smaller exporters and promotes the global export opportunities these businesses need to create jobs in the United States, said Kirk during a USTR conference for small and midsize business.

This appointment was made in consultation with Congressional leaders.