PASCO COUNTY, Fla. -- Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey attended this week's signing of phase one of the China trade deal at the White House.

She was invited because of her role on the Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee (IGPAC).

"The phase one signing (Wednesday) was a very important step in US/China trade negotiations. It's going to do so much for the United States," said Starkey. "It will open up a lot more manufacturing opportunities, agricultural opportunities, and of course, very importantly, it will get rid of that requirement that our manufacturers have to give up their IP if they want to manufacture in China."

Under the agreement, China has pledged to buy more agricultural, manufacturing and energy products from the U.S. during the next two years. 

Starkey said effects could also be felt in Pasco County.

"Historically, only four percent of our jobs have been in manufacturing. So, I've been working really hard to increase that, and I think this opens up more opportunities to bring manufacturing here," she said.

Pasco County has been working for some time to increase foreign investment in the county. Pasco County Economic Development Council President and CEO Bill Cronin said this agreement will likely positively affect relationships with Chinese companies who could invest in the area. He said representatives could visit the area very soon. 

IGPAC is made up of 19 government officials who advise the U.S. Trade Representative on issues that impact state and local governments. As part of her work on the committee, Starkey said she gave input on the U.S.-Canada-Mexico Agreement that was recently approved by the Senate. She said she would've liked to see USCMA do more to help specialty produce growers in the United States, particularly Florida.

"Specialty produce growers are greatly affected by Mexico and the input of their products into our market has really undercut the blueberry farmers, the strawberry farmers," Starkey said. "I have voiced my opinion that we could maybe do a little better with the USMCA in regard to the Mexican produce."

While Starkey said more work is needed, she also noted she thinks the changes needed to happen.

"The U.S. is working so hard in redefining our role in these trade negotiations, and I think it's a very positive impact on the American economy to take a look at all these agreements and refresh them," Starkey said.