Sen. Pam Roach, a veteran of trade missions to Pacific Rim nations, has been named to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Trade Policy.

“Trade equals jobs, especially in our state. The things Washington is known for – such as apples, airplanes, technology, and forest products – all depend on overseas markets, particularly on the other side of the Pacific,” said Roach, R-rural Auburn. “I have been to these markets and met with their leaders and look forward to contributing to the trade-policy committee.”

The 11-member committee, created a dozen years ago, is charged with studying the effects of international trade agreements and negotiations with Washington.

Roach has traveled extensively, studying world economies; she has been part of trade missions to China, South Korea, Thailand and Taiwan, and has led missions to China and Honduras. In addition, she is a member of the American Legislative Exchange Council’s International Relations Task Force.

Roach also is the founder of La Escuela de Esperanza, a nonprofit organization helping children in Honduras.