CEA Applauds President Bush's Nomination of Susan Schwab as New Trade Representative; Shapiro Expresses Gratitude to Ambassador Portman for His Leadership.

ARLINGTON, Va. -- The following statement was issued today by Consumer Electronics Association (CEA(R)) President and CEO Gary Shapiro regarding President Bush's recent nomination of deputy trade representative Susan Schwab for appointment as the United States Trade Representative (USTR):

"CEA praises President Bush's nomination of Susan Schwab for United States Trade Representative. Given her impeccable credentials in the international trade community, we have every confidence that Ms. Schwab will build upon the strong record of pro-trade policies established during Ambassador Rob Portman's tenure.

"CEA is grateful to Ambassador Portman for his leadership in the current World Trade Organization (WTO) Doha negotiations and, in particular, his embrace of an electronics sectoral initiative. We expect that Ms. Schwab will continue with this important work as well as with efforts now underway to expand markets through crucial bilateral and regional free trade agreements, which present great opportunities for the consumer electronics industry.

"With Ms. Schwab's strong background in international trade and her considerable experience in the high tech industry as director of corporate business development for Motorola, CEA is confident she will do an excellent job in promoting trade policies that will help to foster opportunities and continued innovation for the consumer electronics industry."

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,000 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $125 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry.

CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Tomorrow's Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.

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