Colombia Deserves a Vote!
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:

  1. Development: By enhancing opportunities for economic growth and development in the 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.

  2. Security: The agreement promotes U.S. security interests by forging a deeper partnership with Colombia through a framework for government-to-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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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!

Colombia Deserves a Vote!



Latin America Trade Coalition | 1615 H Street, N.W. | Washington, D.C. 20062
www.latradecoalition.org

June 19, 2008

Did you know?

The tariffs imposed on American exporters tick upward-roughly $22 dollars per second, almost $2 million dollars per day and nearly $1 billion dollars since the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement was signed.
- International Trade Administration


Overheard      

''There's just been a real transformation in this country... This is a country that has made tremendous strides to provide security for its population''
- Congressman Jim Matheson (D-UT)