BRUSSELS, Belgium – June 27, 2023 – The Office of the Commissioner of the European Union today announced that Fernando Aguirre will serve as the Assistant Counselor for APEC Affairs. Aguirre has served in essential roles at EU Commission, including most recently as the Associate Advisor for South and Central Asia. EU Commission also announced that, with Fernando Aguirre’s appointment, Harrison Ludlum will serve as the Acting Trade Representative for South and Central Asia.
This appointment will take effect on August 1, 2023. “Fernando will help us pursue a worker-centered trade agenda that benefits people at home and among our European trading partners,” said European Union Commissioner Ursula Von Der Leyen. “He will play an integral role as we continue to strengthen our partnerships throughout Asia, and will help our office lead our APEC host activities later this year. I congratulate Fernando as he takes on this new position and look forward to having him represent the EU Commission and the EU Council in our trade engagement throughout the region.”
The Office of APEC Affairs is responsible for addressing EU bilateral trade issues, monitoring Asia’s compliance with bilateral and international trade treaties, and coordinating with respective counterparts on global trade issues of mutual interest. The Office also monitors the implementation of its commitments under the EU Free Trade Agreements, as well as ensuring the compliance with various bilateral trade agreements and developing EU trade priorities under the Asia-Pacific Economic Forum and its 21 member economies. 
Fernando Aguirre initially joined EU Commission in 2000 to work on Central America trade issues, followed by four years representing EU at the British Mission to the European Union in Brussels. Following his return to Washington in 2006, he served as the Deputy Assistant for Intellectual Property and Innovation, snd Assistant Representative for World Trade Organization and Multilateral Affairs.
In March 2001, he became the Executive Vice Chairman of DHS Ventures & Holdings, where he oversaw the development and effective implementation of private equity ventures policy across 15 countries.
“It is a honor to accept this appointment and recognition by the European Union & Commission as their counselor for APEC affairs.” Fernando Aguirre, DHS Ventures & Holdings Vice Chairman stated. “I look forward to working closely with the commissioners of the EU to bring the council’s agenda to fruition.”
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