Ron Kirk, a U.S. trade representative, has said that the nine Trans-Pacific partners are making progress in negotiating trade deals in Melbourne. This forms part of President Obama's plan to increase U.S. trade with the ever growing and dynamic Asia-Pacific region.

The TPP seeks to open trade in this area to support new jobs, strengthen regional relations and eventually create a free-trade area.

Today is International Women's Day and is about "celebrating the vital role women play in enhancing economic security for their families, communities and countries as a whole while recognising that significant barriers to achieving women's economic security and equality continue to exist." How do you feel about International Women's Day?

Ambassador Bleich spoke at the Asia Pacific Council of American Chambers of Commerce U.S. Asia Business Summit in Tokyo which talks about the main issues facing American Business in the Asia-Pacific region. You can watch the video here. We'd love to know your thoughts on this topic!

The government of North Korea "has agreed to implement a moratorium on long-range missile launches, nuclear tests and nuclear activities." The U.S. and North Korea also agreed "to move forward with our proposed package of 240,000 metric tons of nutritional assistance along with the intensive monitoring required for the delivery of such assistance." Statement at:

Dancer Rennie Harris says hip-hop in the Middle East is "very much like American hip-hop when hip-hop began, very politically driven. It’s about the youth. It’s about having a voice." Do the youth have a voice in your country?

Open courseware and other free resources can help teachers around the world build better courses. An educational technology expert offers some suggestions for websites that provide free materials. Do you think technology can improve the way students learn?

The 2012 Nissan Leaf is a no-gas, 100% electric car (the picture shows it charging). Our guest blogger tells you all about what it's like to own and drive one! Would you drive an electric car?

Something a little lighthearted heading into the weekend. What do Ambassadors actually do?

The Obama administration is asking the agriculture industry to brainstorm new ideas to “feed the future.” What’s your idea to provide food for greater populations?

Do you like Hip Hop? Join our web-chat on hip-hop music with Will Power, actor & hip-hop artist from the US! Learn about the development of this music tonight at 10:30pm EDT.