For Immediate Release: October 7, 2009
Contact: Tim Truman  (202) 482-3809

DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY WALTER BASTIAN HONORED BY THE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE IN LATIN AMERICA

WASHINGTON – Walter Bastian, the International Trade Administration’s (ITA) Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Western Hemisphere, has received the “Eagle of the Americas” award from the Association of American Chambers of Commerce in Latin America (AACCLA).

“Walter has spent his career advancing the pivotal economic relationship between the United States and our Western Hemisphere neighbors,” said Michelle O’Neill, acting Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade. “This ‘Eagle of the Americas’ award is testament to the important work that Walter has dedicated his professional life to achieve.”

Bastian was recognized for his extraordinary commitment to improving U.S. ties with Western Hemisphere nations, creating new business opportunities for U.S. companies, and promoting policies that stimulate economic growth throughout the hemisphere.

ITA’s mission is to create prosperity by strengthening the competitiveness of U.S. industry, promoting trade and investment, and ensuring fair trade.

AACCLA established the “Eagle of the Americas” award in 1993 to recognize an individual either the public or private sector who has “done the most to advance our mission of increased trade and investment between the United States and Latin America.” Previous recipients include the late U.S. Secretary of Commerce Ronald Brown.

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