Global Business Briefing with Ms. Sarah Ellerman, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific

On March 30, 2023, The Meridian Corporate Council hosted a Global Business Briefing with Ms. Sarah Ellerman, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The discussion, moderated by The Honorable Francisco Sanchez, Member of the Meridian Board of Trustees, and Partner at Holland & Knight, covered key objectives on how the U.S. can create a sustainable and impactful economic and trade agenda with the Indo-Pacific region.

Sarah Ellerman currently serves as Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific.  In this capacity, she serves as the U.S. Senior Official for the trade pillar of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity, and develops and implements U.S. trade policy with respect to the countries of Southeast Asia and the Pacific and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

As the world's geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, establishing a comprehensive framework for prosperity in the Indo-Pacific becomes more critical than ever before. The program "Integrating the Indo-Pacific: Building a Framework for Prosperity" explored the region's potential as an economic hub, emphasizing the importance of shared vision, partnerships, and sustainable development. The discussion centered on infrastructure, innovation, and empowering communities, while recognizing the significance of economic exchange. As nations come together to address common challenges and embrace shared opportunities, the Indo-Pacific region can truly emerge as a beacon of stability, growth, and prosperity in the world.

Zachary Lane, TE Connectivity introduces himself to Ms. Sarah Ellerman during the Global Business Briefing on March 30, 2023. Photo by Stephen Bobb.

Ms. Sarah Ellerman, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and Paula Pinha, Netflix in conversation during the Global Business Briefing on March 30, 2023. Photo by Stephen Bobb.

Bijan Mehryar, Block Inc. participating in the discussion during the Global Business Briefing on March 30, 2023. Photo by Stephen Bobb.

Mesay Lulsegged, AT&T, and Puru Trivedi, Meridian International Center catchup during the Global Business Briefing on March 30, 2023. Photo by Stephen Bobb.

Amanda Blunt, General Motors, takes notes during the Global Business Briefing on March 30, 2023. Photo by Stephen Bobb.

Tom Geier, 3M, posits a question to Ms. Ellerman during the Global Business Briefing on March 30, 2023. Photo by Stephen Bobb.

Katherine Wang, Amazon Web Services, and Robert Grant, Merck in conversation ahead of the Global Business Briefing on March 30, 2023. Photo by Stephen Bobb.

The Honorable Francisco Sanchez, Member of the Meridian Board of Trustees, in conversation with Ms. Ellerman during the Global Business Briefing on March 30, 2023. Photo by Stephen Bobb.

Austin Metsch, S&P Global, participating in the discussion during the Global Business Briefing on March 30, 2023. Photo by Stephen Bobb.

Project summary

Global Business Briefing with Ms. Sarah Ellerman, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific | March 2023
Number of Visitors:	25
Number of Attendees:	25
Regions:	East Asia and Pacific, South and Central Asia
Impact Areas:	Business and Trade
Program Areas:	Diplomatic Engagement
Partners:	Public Sector, Private Sector