HispanicBusiness

US Trade Representative Ron Kirk Tuesday said he will resign in February, joining the many top officials in President Barack Obama's administration departing at the start of his second term.

Kirk helped to oversee the implementation of trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama, the start of talks on the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the lifting of Cold War-era trade restrictions against Russia and other issues.

"Together, we have made great strides to bring about the president's vision of a more robust, responsible, and responsive trade policy that opens markets to products stamped 'Made-in-America' and enforces Americans' trade rights around the world," Kirk said.

Obama thanked Kirk for his four years of service, calling him "a tremendous advocate for the American worker."

The president did not indicate who might be under consideration to fill the post.