The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), following up on President Obama's campaign pledge to "help foster Armenia's growth and development through expanded trade," has called upon the United States Trade Representative (USTR), Ron Kirk, to enter into formal discussions with the Republic of Armenia regarding the negotiation of a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA).

In a letter sent to Ambassador Kirk, Hachikian noted that the establishment of a U.S.-Armenia TIFA would broaden existing avenues of dialogue and “provide a consistent platform for the U.S. government to meet and consult on a regular basis with Armenian government officials regarding broadening the economic cooperation and expanding opportunities for trade and investment,” Asbarez reports.

The letter mentions that TIFAs, which the U.S. has negotiated with over 50 other countries and regional economic groups, including Georgia and Ukraine, provide strategic frameworks and principles for ongoing government-to-government dialogue on trade and investment issues.

“After a year and a half in office, despite the President’s campaign pledges and, very notably, the considerable support of Armenia for a broad range of his Administration’s policies – including, of course, the profoundly flawed Turkey-Armenia Protocols – we have yet to see any practical steps by the White House to strengthen our commercial relationship with Armenia,” Asbarez quotes ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian.