WASHINGTON, DC – The National Association of Manufacturers' top commerce official is calling the Obama administration's trade policies "pragmatic" and open.

In a statement released on the trade group's website, NAM vice president for international economic affairs Frank Vargo called President Obama’s trade policy agenda "a pragmatic one aimed at opening markets and improving the U.S. role in the world economy. ... [I]t talks about improving trade agreements rather than reopening them, and it calls for greater emphasis on seeing that small and medium-sized firms can become more effective exporters and competitors in the global economy." Vargo said the latter is "a very important goal" for NAM, whose membership is largely made up of small- and medium-sized businesses.

"We were pleased to see that the agenda calls for correcting the current imbalance in the Doha Round, and seeking a strong and balanced market-opening outcome. The NAM has been pressing hard for such an approach and will work closely with the President’s trade team to achieve that important goal."

He also lauded the Administration for "reaching out to all stakeholders in framing its agenda."