http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/site/index/ en U.S. Department of State 2008-07-24T15:25:00-05:00 About the Author: Charles S. Shapiro serves as the Senior Coordinator of the State Department’s Western Hemisphere Affairs Free Trade Task Force.

Policy Podcast: Colombia Free Trade | VIEW VIDEO

Throughout the hemisphere, democratic nations are looking to create conditions for sustained economic growth. In today’s world of globalization, countries are not looking inward but rather outward to achieve growth and prosperity. Our friends in Latin America see free trade agreements as the way to accomplish this goal. As we partner with other nations to remove trade barriers, no country wants to strengthen its ties with us more than Colombia.

The cup of Colombian coffee that I had this morning, the roses that I’m going to send to my mother for Mother’s Day along with the box of chocolates all come from Colombia into the United States, tariff free. American exporters on the other hand, pay high tariffs to send products such as machinery and fertilizers to Colombia that help produce these goods. Every day that we wait to pass the Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (CTPA) is a day that American farmers, businesses and workers lose out. Free trade will benefit both of us.

The CTPA is more than just smart economics. I invite subscribers of Dipnote to read Colombia: An Opportunity for Lasting Success. This fact sheet is excellent reading for understanding the importance of a trade agreement with Colombia.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/colombia_an_opportunity_for_lasting_success/ 2008-05-08T14:09:01-05:00