ensuring security, diversity, interoperability and resilience across the ICT supply chain, including sensitive and critical areas such as 5G, undersea cables, data centers, and cloud infrastructure.

Secure Supply Chains:

U.S.-EU Trade and Te chnology Council InauguralJoint State me ntSe pte mbe r 29, 2021Pitts burgh, Pe nns ylvania

Mr President,the covid-19 pandemic has had a far-reaching social economic impact globally including disturbing trade flows,supply chains,and various economic activities on our continent in the world. In addition to loss of lives,the pandemic increased poverty levels through job losses,stressed health care systems,and we're still the delivery of education to learners. Disruption to the education systems,particularly in developing countries,was in part due to inadequate information communication and technology -ICTfacilities within our countries

Second, the crisis has revealed the interdependence of our modern societies and the importance of international value chains, particularly inessential goods. We need to strengthen their resilience without resorting to protectionist measures that threaten global economic recovery. The legal framework for international trade must work to enhance legal certainty and predictability even in times of crisis. The World Trade Organization has a keyrole to play here.