About Trade
"Free and fair trade helps secure a future of freedom and promise."
President George W. Bush
World Trade Week Proclomation
May 16, 2008
News Highlights
President Bush Urges Congress to Approve Pending Free Trade Agreements with Peru, Colombia, Panama and Korea
Washington (Oct. 31) —During a speech at the 2007 Grocery Manufacturers Association Fall Conference, President George W. Bush emphasized the benefits of free trade to the U.S. economy. After cautioning against a rising protectionist sentiment, he exhorted Congress to endorse pending Free Trade Agreements with Peru, Colombia, Panama and South Korea, saying, “I believe opening markets for American goods and services will help us remain a prosperous nation.” (Remarks)
Statement by Secretary Gutierrez on House Ways and Means Committee Unanimously Passing U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement
Washington (Oct. 31)—Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today issued the following statement on the House Ways and Means Committee passing unanimously the U.S. - Peru Trade Promotion Agreement: “This unanimous, bipartisan vote in the House Ways and Means Committee reaffirms the importance America places on its friends and allies in Latin American and opening more markets for American workers, farmers and businesses.” (More)
Gutierrez Says Passage of Free Trade Agreements is Essential to Keep Momentum in Global Economy
Philadelphia (Oct. 29)—At a luncheon address to the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez highlighted the strength of the U.S. economy, focusing on export growth as a key factor. He noted that the passage of pending free trade agreements would further grow U.S. exports and create a stronger global economy. He said, “Our leadership is a driver of the global economy, not just our own. We must keep this momentum going.” (Remarks)
File Photo
Agriculture and USTR Chiefs to Lead Bipartisan Delegation to Colombia
Washington (Oct. 25)—Acting Secretary of Agriculture Chuck Conner told reporters that he looked forward to co-hosting a bipartisan congressional delegation to Colombia with U.S. Trade Ambassador Susan Schwab. Along with Colombia, there are pending free trade agreements with Peru, Panama and South Korea. Conner indicated that Colombia was a critical agreement for U.S. agriculture saying, “the Colombia Free Trade Agreement does level the playing field for our producers … this is a very, very important effort for our own producers.” (Transcript)
FTA Key to Promoting Peace and Prosperity in Colombia
New York (Oct. 22)—Under Secretary of State R. Nicholas Burns addressed the Council of the Americas in New York City, highlighting the progress in Latin America and the importance of economic and political security for the hemisphere. He focused on the need to pass the pending free trade agreement with Colombia, saying, "As a key U.S. ally in the region, a stable Colombia is absolutely essential to the security of our hemisphere." (Remarks)
