Gary Locke, the first Chinese-American who ever led a US state government, was nominated by US President Barack Obama on Wednesday as his third choice for Secretary of Commerce.

Announcing the nomination in a live-broadcast event at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building near the White House, the president said that the 59-year-old Locke has lived the American Dream and "shares my commitment to do whatever it takes to keep it alive in our time."

US Former Washington state Governor Gary Locke makes a speech, as US Presidend Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden stand by, after he was nominated as commerce secretary in US President Barack Obama's administration, at the White House, Washington, D.C., on Feb. 25, 2009. [Zhang Yan/Xinhua]

"Gary will be a trusted voice in my cabinet, a tireless advocate for our economic competitiveness, and an influential ambassador for American industry who will help us do everything we can, especially now, to promote it around the world," said Obama.

"The American people and I fully support you and have confidence in your bold strategy to turn our economy around," Locke told Obama, adding that he will become an "active and integral partner" to push forward the president's agenda.

"Our nation's economic success is tied directly to America continuing to lead in technology and innovation and in exporting those products, services and ideas to markets around the globe," he said.

"The Department of Commerce can and will help create jobs and the economic vitality our country needs," he added.

If his nomination gets confirmed, Locke would fill a post to which Obama has previously nominated New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and Republican Senator Judd Gregg form New Hampshire.

Richardson withdrew in early January, citing an ongoing federal investigation in his home state, while Gregg pulled out of consideration on Feb. 12 because of "irresolvable conflicts" over the Obama administration's stimulus bill and the upcoming 2010 census.