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
Second Bipartisan Congressional Delegation Led by Gutierrez Sees Real Economic Progress and Change in Colombia
Medellin, Colombia (Oct. 14)—Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez today concluded his second bipartisan U.S. Congressional delegation visit to Colombia in recent weeks, to see the very significant progress that the country has made toward increased economic prosperity, strong democratic governance, and the protection of human rights. The delegation is pictured with Colombian children during a stop to Bojayá, on Saturday, October 13. (More)
Administration Committed to Secure and Prosperous Colombia, Says Gutierrez
Bogota, Colombia (Oct. 12)—Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez addressed members of the Bogota business community, highlighting the economic and political stability that would come with a free trade agreement with the United States. The Secretary is in Colombia hosting his second Congressional delegation in a month to show members of Congress first hand the tremendous turnaround that has occurred in Colombia in recent years. (Remarks)
Bush Urges Congress to Pass Latin FTAs “As Soon as Possible”
Miami (Oct. 12)—President George W. Bush called on Congress to pass pending free trade agreements with Peru, Colombia and Panama, saying: “These agreements will level the playing fields for businesses, workers, and farmers here in the United States. These agreements will help our friends in neighborhoods and help them lift them out of poverty. These agreements will counter the false populism promoted by some nations in the hemisphere. These agreements will strengthen the forces of freedom and democracy throughout the Americas.” (Transcript) (Fact Sheet)
Rice Presses Need for Passage of Latin American FTAs at Council on Foreign Relations Event at OAS
Washington (Oct. 9)—Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice addressed the Organization of American States (OAS), highlighting the importance of U.S. engagement with the Pan-American community. She focused on the need to pass pending FTAs to further progress in the region, saying “Peru, Colombia, and Panama now stand on the threshold of far-reaching national success. Trade agreements with the United States would help significantly to advance our partners’ political, economic and social development …” (More)
Gutierrez Highlights U.S.-Uruguayan Economic Relationship
Montevideo, Uruguay (Oct. 9)—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez spoke to the Uruguayan-American Chamber of Commerce where he touted the trade and economic relationship between the two nations.The Secretary is pictured with Uruguay's President Tabare Vazquez during his visit to the country. (Remarks)
