US President Joe Biden appointed Manish Bapna, CEO of NRDC, to the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations, alongside other experts to guide trade policy development.

US President Joe Biden recently appointed a prominent Indian-American, Manish Bapna, the CEO of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), and other experts to the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations. The new appointments were included in a press release issued by the White House, which also mentioned other members of the committee, such as Timothy Michael Broas, Thomas M Conway, Erica RH Fuchs, Marlon E Kimpson, Ryan, Shonda Yvette Scott, Elizabeth Shuler, Nina Szlosberg-Landis and Wendell P Weeks.

The Advisory Committee, established to provide policy advice to the US Trade Representative, can have up to 45 members. These members are recommended by the US Trade Representative and appointed by the President.

The Committee members possess a broad range of expertise in areas such as trade, investment and development, with representation from non-federal governments, labor, industry, agriculture, small businesses, service industries, retailers and various nongovernmental organizations focused on environmental and conservation issues, as well as consumer interests.

The Committee advises the US Trade Representative on crucial matters related to the development, implementation and administration of the country's trade policy. This includes offering insights on negotiating objectives and bargaining positions before entering into trade agreements, evaluating the impact of implementing trade agreements and overseeing the operation of these agreements once they are in effect. The Committee's role is integral to the overall framework of US trade policy, guiding the nation’s approach to international trade relations.

Bapna has had a distinguished career, contributing significantly to environmental issues. The NRDC, under his leadership, has been involved in many important environmental milestones, including the creation of major environmental laws, legal victories and influential research in the past decades. His leadership focuses on addressing the root causes of poverty and climate change through strategies that are both equitable and sustainable.

Before leading NRDC, Bapna had a long career at the World Resources Institute (WRI), where he served as executive vice president and managing director for more than 14 years. WRI is a research organization focused on exploring the intersection of environmental and human development. Bapna began his career in economics and development, having worked with McKinsey & Company and the World Bank. He also served as an advocate at the Bank Information Center, advocating for policy changes.

Bapna holds a master’s degree in Business and Political and Economic Development from Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from MIT. His broad experience and commitment to environmental and development issues are expected to add value to the Advisory Committee.

As the US navigates global trade challenges, Bapna's insights into sustainable practices and equitable strategies are expected to be crucial in shaping future trade policies and negotiations.