US senator empowered with trade to visit UAE, Vietnam

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WASHINGTON, Dec 13 (AFP): A key US Senator with power over trade deals announced yesterday he will visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Vietnam this month on a mission to reassure the world about the US economy.
"The entire world is on pins and needles right now to see how the economic crisis will shake out, and how the new American president and a stronger Democratic Congress will engage with other nations. Now is the time to reach out," said Senate Finance Committee's Max Baucus, a Democrat.
Baucus, whose panel has jurisdiction over US international trade deals, said he would be looking for opportunities to expand US commerce with both countries in meetings with government officials and civil society leaders.
The senator's December 13-20 trip will take him to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City, his office said.
"America needs to rebuild its economy and engage the world smartly on trade, in a way that creates good-paying jobs here at home," said Baucus, who was slated to give speeches at Zayed University in Dubai and at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.