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
File Photo
Secretary Gutierrez Leads CAFTA-DR Business Development Mission
Washington (Sept. 29)—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez kicked-off a business development mission to the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica, which will highlight regional opportunities under the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). Gutierrez is leading a business delegation of nine U.S. exporters from eight cities in seven states representing a wide range of industries that will travel the region from Sept. 28 to Oct. 2, 2008. The mission will promote U.S. exports and investment by facilitating business-to-business introductions and discussions with government officials, as well as provide first-hand market access information for participants. (More)
Gutierrez Set to Lead Trade Mission to the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica
Washington (Sept. 26)—In advance of his business development mission to the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica (Sept. 28-Oct. 2), U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez authored an opinion editorial in Diario Extra, Costa Rica’s daily newspaper. He wrote, “Democracies like ours with a history of political stability, social progress and a commitment to human rights will benefit the most from free trade and increased investment.” (Opinion Editorial)
White House Photo
President Bush Discusses Free Trade with Western Hemisphere Leaders
New York (Sept. 24)—Following remarks to the United Nations General Assembly the previous day, President Bush joined Western Hemisphere leaders at the Council of the Americas to discuss the importance of free trade to our region’s growth and prosperity. He said, “It’s important for the American people to understand that exports benefit workers. Half of our growth last year was the result of trade. And therefore, it’s in our interest to continue to open up markets, particularly in our own neighborhood.” (Speech)
Gutierrez and Schwab Tour Port of Los Angeles to Highlight Importance of Passing Free Trade Agreement with South Korea
Los Angeles (Sept. 15)—U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez and U.S. Trade Representative Susan C. Schwab toured the Port of Los Angeles on the Angelena II to view port operations, discuss the impact of free trade agreements on port activities, and received a briefing on the economic impact of the port to the U.S. Economy. They are pictured here at a media availability at Bert 84 where the Angelena II docks.
Secretary Gutierrez Addresses National Foreign Trade Council, Honors Congressman Meeks
Washington (Sept. 10)—U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez spoke to the National Foreign Trade Council and introduced Rep. Gregory Meeks (NY-6), who received the NFTC World Trade Award for his contribution to the advancement of American foreign trade and investment. Congressman Meeks accompanied Secretary Gutierrez on two trips to Colombia and is a strong supporter of the Colombia Free Trade Agreement. “Affirming our commitment to economic opportunity and freedom, as these free trade agreements do, is a reflection not of Democratic or Republican values, but American values,” said Gutierrez. FTAs with Colombia, Panama and South Korea await a vote by Congress.
