(CNN) - President Bush has nominated six-term U.S. Rep. Robert Portman, R-Ohio, as the next U.S. Trade Representative.

If confirmed, Portman will replace Robert Zoellick, who is now a deputy Secretary of State. Bush praised Zoellick's strides, including helping to bring China and Taiwan into the World Trade Organization.

Bush, who appeared with Portman before reporters, described the nominee as a "skilled negotiator," and added that "he's been a tireless advocate for America's manufacturers and entrepreneurs."

"I have asked him to take on a bold agenda," said Bush, noting the completion of the Doha round of negotiations to reduce global barriers to trade and enforcing trade laws on the books.

"Rob is the right man to carry out this agenda," Bush said, pointing out that Portman is a former international trade lawyer.

"As a member of the House leadership, Rob has shown he can bring together people of differing views to get things done."

Portman, underscoring what he said was Bush's "bold international trade agenda," said Bush has been "passionate for the vision of free and fair trade."

"Open markets and strong trade relations are key components to a more peaceful, stable and prosperous world. Through expanded trade, the roots of democracy and freedom are deepened," Portman said. "Here at home, trade policy opens markets to create good jobs, a higher standard of living, and greater economic growth."

According to Texans for Public Justice, a political-donations watchdog group, Portman attained "Pioneer" status for the president's re-election campaign, raising more than $100,000 toward the campaign, in the 2004 election cycle. Portman was not one of the elite fundraisers -- either "Pioneer" or "Ranger" (raising more than $200,000) -- in the 2000 cycle.

The TPJ pulled its information about fundraisers from the Bush-Cheney campaign committee.

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