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
White House Photo
President Bush Addresses the Pending Free Trade Agreements at White House Press Conference
Washington (Sept. 20)—While responding to questions from the White House press corps, President Bush defended the economic benefits of free trade. He urged members of Congress to support the pending Free Trade Agreements and cautioned against a rising protectionist sentiment, declaring that lowering trade barriers would alleviate poverty around the world. (More)
Gutierrez Promotes Free Trade as Vital for Progress in the Western Hemisphere
Miami (Sept. 20)—Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez addressed the Miami Herald Americas Conference focusing on the need to pass pending free trade agreements (FTAs) with Peru, Colombia and Panama. The Secretary, who recently led a bipartisan delegation to the three countries, specifically highlighted the progress he saw on the ground in Colombia, a country which has made great strides toward ending violence and reducing poverty in recent years. (Opinion Editorial) (Remarks)
U.S. Trade Representative Schwab Discusses Free Trade Agreements at AACLA
Washington (Sept. 17)—U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab spoke on “Choosing the Right Path for the Americas” in her address to the Association of American Chambers of Commerce in Latin America (AACLA). Her remarks urged Congressional support for pending Free Trade Agreements with Peru, Colombia and Panama. (Remarks)
Gutierrez and Mayor of Medellin, Colombia Survey Progress in Previously Violent Neighborhood
Medellin, Colombia (Sept. 15)—Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez met with Medellin Mayor Sergio Fajardo to discuss the rejuvenation of a once violent and poverty stricken area of Medellin which is slowly rebuilding and now served by a modern mass transit cable car system. The Secretary was in Colombia with a congressional delegation to see first-hand the progress that has been made in the country in recent years, and highlight the ways in which a free trade agreement between the U.S. and Colombia would contribute to economic growth and regional stability. (More)
Accompanied by a Bipartisan Congressional Delegation, Gutierrez Addresses Media at Panama Canal
Panama Canal (Sept. 13)—In Panama, the first stop on a three country Latin America trip to promote Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez addresses the media with members of the bipartisan congressional delegation accompanying him to the region. The visit will continue with stops in Peru and Colombia. Currently there are FTAs with the three Latin countries pending before Congress. (More)
