The United State is facing tougher challenge as the world largest economy grows at slow pace and the unemployment hovers at high level, according to John Bryson, nominator to be Secretary of the Department of Commerce.


Nominee for U.S. Secretary of the Department of Commerce John Bryson attends a hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation at the Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., capital of the United States, June 21, 2011. (Xinhua/Zhang Jun)
"We all know that the U.S. economy is recovering," Bryson said Tuesday at a hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. "But it is too slow and too uncertain."


Bryson was nominated by U.S. President Barack Obama on May 31. If confirmed by the Senate, he would replace outgoing Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, whom Obama recently named as his next ambassador to China.


Bryson, 67, is a former chairman and chief executive officer of Edison International, a California-based energy company. He also has an extensive background in environmental issues, having co- founded the Natural Resources Defense Council and served on a United Nation's advisory group on energy and climate change.


"John will be an important part of my economic team, working with the business community, fostering growth, and helping open up new markets abroad to promote jobs and opportunities here at home, " Obama said when announcing Bryson's selection.


Among Bryson's tasks at the Commerce Department will be leading Obama's efforts to double U.S. exports in the next four years and representing American business interests abroad, particularly in rapidly expanding Asian markets.


Bryson is the latest businessman to be brought into the administration's fold as the White House grapples with ways to shake its reputation as anti-business.


Private sector leaders have griped about what they see as burdensome new financial and health care regulations, unfriendly tax policies and vast government spending.


U.S. economic growth slowed down to 1.8 percent in the first quarter this year from 3.1 percent in the previous quarter. Unemployment rate, currently at 9.1 percent, is not expected to fall rapidly in the near term.


In a relatively positive tone during the hearing, U.S. legislators accredited Bryson's rich business experience would contribute significantly to the country.


Bryson said that private sector should be the real engine of job creation. He vowed to help create a more business friendly environment to boost employment and strengthen economic growth.


VietNamNet/Xinhuanet