With
the purpose of strengthening the high technology in the
hemisphere, Under Secretary Phillip J. Bond of the U.S.
Department of Commerce visited Uruguay on Monday, June 2.
The U.S. official’s agenda included meetings
with different representatives of the Uruguayan Government
and Parliament, as well as with members of the private sector
and academic community. His tour to the region also included
a visit to Brazil.
“The countries in the region are key commercial partners
of the United States,” Bond said. He also added “the
strengthening of the relationships with the Governments
and private sectors in the region will allow countries to
work closely to expand trade and growth of technology sectors,
and improve the quality of life of people, making technology
more accessible.”
In his meetings, Bond discussed issues related to Secretary
of Commerce Donald Evan’s efforts to reduce trade
barriers in the global market, and initiatives being implemented
by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
and the International Trade Administration.
Additional topics of discussion on Bond’s agenda included
intellectual property and transparency in business practices,
e-government, e-commerce, technology corporations and the
status of biotechnology and other research in the region.
Phillip J. Bond was sworn in as Under Secretary of Commerce
for Technology on October 30, 2001. He was nominated by
President George W. Bush on September 4, and confirmed by
the United States Senate on October 23, 2001.
Secretary Evans announced on January 22, 2002, that he had
chosen Bond to serve as his Chief of Staff as well, stating
that he viewed technology policy as a top priority in his
mission to advocate for American business. Bond's appointment
would ensure that the Department will continue to focus
on technology as a vital component of the U.S. economy.
Some of the high priority issues that he is involved in
include support for American innovation and entrepreneurship,
the emerging field of nanotechnology, strengthening U.S.
technology cooperation with other countries, especially
in areas such as standards development, education and training
of a high tech workforce, and an array of issues of concern
to the telecommunications and information technology industries.
Mr. Bond is a graduate of Linfield College in Oregon.
Further information on the United States of America and
Embassy activities is available on the Internet at http://uruguay.usembassy.gov
