Why Support the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement?
It's a Foreign Policy Imperative! | The U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement is a great deal for U.S. farmers, workers, and businesses, but it's also an imperative for American's foreign policy and geostrategic interests in Latin America:
- Development: By enhancing opportunities for economic growth and development in the troubled Andean region, the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement will lend strength to Colombia's economy and provide citizens with long-term alternatives to narcotics and emigration.
- Security: The agreement promotes U.S. security interests by forging a deeper partnership with Colombia through a framework for government by government relationships that is grounded in the tangible national interests of all parties. Such a framework is vital to enhancing cooperation in the fight against terrorism and narcotics trafficking; it also sets an example for other countries around the world as we pursue our global security goals.
- Democracy: The agreement will enhance U.S. efforts to strengthen democracy in Latin America by lending direct support for the rule of law, internationally recognized workers' rights, and transparency in business and government.
- Corruption: Like many countries around the world, Colombia is struggling against corruption, which undermines growth, security, and stability. The agreement contains critical provisions to enhance transparency and accountability in governance, providing important tools to fight the scourge of corruption.
- Narcotics: While Colombia has made tremendous strides fighting narcotics trafficking over the past 15 years, the production and movement of illicit drugs pose serious challenges for the hemisphere. The agreement helps establish a cooperative framework in which other fronts such as narcotic interdiction can be constructively addressed, while providing the economic alternatives to keep individuals away from illegal activities.
In Colombia and throughout Latin America, the consolidation of democracy and sustainable economic development are clearly in the national interest of the United States!
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While 99% of U.S. agricultural imports from Colombia enter our market duty free, Colombia levies tariffs on American wheat, corn, and other products that top 50%. The trade agreement will eliminate these tariffs, which the Farm Bureau estimates will boost U.S. farm and ranch exports by nearly $700 million!
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| | | | Overheard
| | | ''Free trade with free peoples strengthens democracies and our allies in
the region. It creates jobs and economic opportunities here in the U.S. and
no one benefits more from free trade with Latin America than the Hispanic
community in this country,''
Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL)
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