<h1>Ambassador-designate says trade talks nearing deal; urges quick tariff and market-access fixes for reciprocal trade and cooperation</h1> The US ambassador-designate told a Senate committee that bilateral trade negotiations are underway and that the two countries are 'not that far apart,' urging resolution of tariff and market-access disputes within weeks to achieve a reciprocal trade deal; he attributed past impediments to one country's protectionist policies and regulatory barriers and pledged, if confirmed, to press for fair trade, increased US energy exports, reduced purchases of Russian oil, deeper defence cooperation, technology collaboration, and reforms to make markets more accessible, all aimed at advancing US economic and strategic interests.