Indian American appointed US chief agriculture negotiator

An Indian American has been appointed the chief agriculture negotiator of the United States, who would carry out all critical negotiations for the country in the crucial Doha round and other bilateral discussions.

Welcoming Dr Islam A Siddiqui as Chief Agricultural Negotiator, US Trade Representative Ron Kirk has said Siddiqui brings to this office incredible agricultural expertise built over years of work in both government and private sectors.

Speaking on Dr Siddiqui, Kirk said "(he) can be counted on to stand up for American farmers, ranchers, and families in all our negotiations – from the Doha round talks to bilateral discussions."

Currently serving as a consultant to the USTR, Dr Siddiqui formerly served as vice president for Science and Regulatory Affairs at CropLife America, where he was responsible for regulatory and international trade issues related to crop protection chemicals.

"If we want to double American exports in the next five years, we have to seize every opportunity to grow agricultural exports, as well as exports of goods and services. Isi (Dr Islam Siddiqui) is going to make sure we don't leave any of those opportunities on the table," Kirk said.