In recent years, 
APHIS has worked 
hard to develop 
technical working 
relationships with 
such nations as 
Japan, South Korea, 
and China. These 
relationships have 
been instrumental 
in creating new 
markets for 
U.S. agricultural 
commodities. 
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation 
Another example of U.S. efforts to broaden 
commercial relations beyond Europe and 
Canada is APHIS’ participation in the Asia— 
Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). APEC 
was established in 1989 to promote coopera- 
tion in trade and other economic issues. 
What started out as an organization with 
12 member countries has nearly doubled in 
size to encompass countries as diverse as 
Australia, Brunei, and China. As a member of 
APEC, the United States attends regular 
meetings to discuss such issues as trade lib- 
eralization, technology transfer, investment, 
energy, and other topics of mutual interest. 
It was not until 1995, however, that APEC 
members agreed to address agricultural 
trade. At this time, a group of agricultural 
technical experts was formed to discuss 
issues, including biotechnology and quaran- 
tine and pest management. 
APHIS recognizes the countries in the 
Pacific Rim region as strategically important 
agricultural markets and plays a key role in 
meetings of the APEC agricultural technical 
experts. In recent years, APHIS has worked 
hard to develop technical working relation- 
ships with such nations as Japan, South 
Korea, and China. These relationships have 
been instrumental in creating new markets 
for U.S. agricultural commodities. APHIS 
was successful in March 2000 with helping 
to open up the Chinese market to U.S. citrus. 
Besides being economically significant, this 
agreement also helps pave the way for future 
market opportunities. 
6 APHIS in the Global Trade Arena 
Without the creation of the WTO and 
NAFTA, such trade relationships would not 
be possible. It’s a principal role of APHIS to 
make sure the United States and our trading 
partners adhere to the SPS rules set forth by 
the WTO and NAFTA as well as the other 
relevant standards-setting organizations. 
While trade agreements have helped to open 
up new markets for the United States and 
other countries, APHIS must ensure that 
U.S. agriculture is protected in all endeavors 
and that agricultural imports from foreign 
countries do not create new pathways for 
pests. APHIS’ role in the global marketplace 
will continue to increase as the United 
States expands current trade relationships 
and establishes new partnerships with 
developing countries. 
For more information about APHIS 
programs, visit the APHIS homepage at 
http://www.aphis.usda.gov 
