Even as US President Barack Obama [ Images ] urged his countrymen to buy American cars, the United States Treasury Secretary on Monday insisted that the country is not in favour of protectionism and has a great interest in a growing open world economy.

"We are very committed to avoid protectionism; we are committed to open trade and investment policy that is a critical part of any successful global approach to this crisis," US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said at a media round table with select foreign journalists.

"The (US) President has been very clear in public (about) his commitment to engagement with growth; working with the world economy; ever more working ties with the rest of the world," he said in response to a question about concerns in the other countries of the world about US resorting to protectionist measures.

"Businesses across America have a deep interest in a growing open world economy and we benefit hugely from the openness we provide," he said.

"...we all have a huge interest in making sure that we prevent any intensification (of protectionist measures)," said the Treasury secretary.