Asia Society Policy Institute Names Jane Mellsop Director of Trade, Investment, and Economic Security

NEW YORK, NY and WASHINGTON, DC; March 13, 2024 — The Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) has named experienced international trade negotiator, lawyer, and public policy professional Jane Mellsop to be Director of Trade, Investment, and Economic Security. A former diplomat with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Jane will be based in Washington, D.C.

“Jane will be a great addition to our trade team with her extensive track record as an international trade negotiator and diplomat with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade,” said Wendy Cutler, ASPI Vice President and Managing Director of the Washington, D.C. office. “Jane brings a wealth of experience on critical trade and economic security issues that are becoming a focal point for many in the U.S. and Asia, and we are delighted to welcome her to ASPI.”

Most recently, Jane served as the Senior Trade Adviser to New Zealand‘s Minister for Trade and Export Growth, where she advised on a full range of international trade issues, including the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), New Zealand’s hosting of APEC in 2021, implementation of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the conclusion of bilateral free trade negotiations with the United Kingdom and the European Union.

She was formerly a Fellow and Director of Research at the think-tank Public Policy Forum in Ottawa, Canada, where she spearheaded a multi-year project on the Canada-China relationship and launched a training series focused on Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples for senior public servants.

Trade, investment, and innovation is a key focus of ASPI’s work, drawing on diverse perspectives from Asia, Europe, and the United States. In addition to traditional trade issues, ASPI tackles next-generation challenges encompassing digital trade, economic security, climate change, and economic inclusion. Major initiatives include the examination of the relocation, diversification, and reshoring of supply chains through mapping out foreign investment policies of economies in the Indo-Pacific region, and building a high standard and inclusive Asia-Pacific trade architecture aimed at promoting economic integration in the Asia-Pacific. In addition, an initiative aims to develop the next generation of Asia's female trade leaders through mentorship opportunities and skill-building workshops.

Read Jane Mellsop’s full bio here. Members of the media who wish to connect with her may contact [email protected].