AdvaMed Praises U.S.-Ecuador Trade Package

 The Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed) issued the following statement from President and CEO Scott Whitaker on the newly concluded United States-Ecuador Trade Package announced on Tuesdsy.

“We congratulate President Trump, Ambassador Lighthizer, and the government of Ecuador for successfully concluding negotiations on this phase-one trade agreement between our two countries. This is a win for both countries and our workers, and it’s a promising step forward in terms of improving transparency, regulatory streamlining, ethical business practices, and customs modernization.”

This agreement includes provisions recognizing the fundamental role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in maintaining dynamism and enhancing the competitiveness of the respective economies and their ability to promote jobs and growth. SMEs comprise 70% of the AdvaMed membership and are a significant source of medtech innovation and job creation.

The agreement includes new provisions that are expected to reduce non-tariff barriers on medical devices, fostering greater patient access to the latest medical technology innovations and further regulatory harmonization. The agreement was made possible with the leadership of U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and his team’s work with the government of Ecuador through the United States-Ecuador Investment Council (TIC).

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 AdvaMed member companies produce the medical devices, diagnostic products and health information systems that are transforming health care through earlier disease detection, less invasive procedures and more effective treatments. AdvaMed members range from the largest to the smallest medical technology innovators and companies. For more information, visit www.advamed.org.