Brussels, 10/05/2010 (Agence Europe) - The Transatlantic Economic Council (TEC) and the multilateral Doha Round negotiations will dominate the agenda of the first official visit to the United States of Karel De Gucht as European Trade Commissioner. On 10, 11 and 12 May, De Gucht will meet high-ranking officials and decision-makers in Washington to discuss how to take forward transatlantic trade relations. The Trade Commissioner will meet US Trade Representative Ron Kirk and TEC Deputy Chairman Mike Froman. He will also meet the Republican leader on the Senate finance committee, the committee responsible for trade policy, Chuck Grassley. De Gucht wants to provide fresh impetus to transatlantic relations, with, among other options, raising the profile of the TEC, which resolves trade disputes that arise from regulatory differences, or a new form of bilateral free trade agreement which puts the emphasis on non-tariff barriers. “There is potential to go further. By breaking down regulatory barriers, we can create additional opportunities which are urgently needed in times of economic recovery. I am convinced the Transatlantic Economic Council can play a significant role here,” De Gucht said in a press release. (E.H./transl.rt)