Category: Press Releases and Statements

NFTC Urges Prompt Approval of U.S.-Colombia FTA

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Says Immediate Passage of Agreement Would Recognize Countrys Achievements and Lead to Continued Progress

Washington, DC –  The National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) today responded to a request for comments published in the Federal Register by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative regarding the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA). In expressing support for approval of the FTA, the NFTC highlighted the remarkable strides Colombia has made after nearly being written off as a failed state less than a decade ago, including restoring the rule of law, strengthening democratic institutions, growing a dynamic economy and ensuring that all workers are able to exercise their fundamental labor rights.

Though the questions included in the request were focused more on the issue of labor than the merits of the agreement, based on the NFTCs review of comments posted as of this afternoon, the overwhelming majority were positive, said NFTC Vice President for Regional Trade Initiatives Chuck Dittrich. We think this is an encouraging sign and hope that this consultative process will help the Administration work with the Government of Colombia to set the benchmarks that have been discussed since the beginning of the year. The FTA is in the economic and diplomatic interests of both countries, and we urge the Administration to set forth a plan for approval of the agreement.

In its submission, the NFTC noted the progress Colombia has made since 2002 to combat the scourge of violence associated with illegal drug trafficking and to reform judicial procedures and reduce impunity.

Colombia is a success story, and like all nations, including the United States, continues to face challenges. Our nations have worked together for decades to confront issues of shared concern, from fighting the war on drugs to finding ways to spur economic growth and development, said NFTC President Bill Reinsch. There is no doubt that Colombia is one of the United States most important democratic allies in the region, and it is critical for us to continue to work together to ensure that the progress President Uribe has achieved is sustained. One clear way to do this is to provide the people of Colombia with economic opportunity, and the FTA offers an chance to enhance our economic ties to the benefit of both nations.

In response to the questions posed in the request for comments regarding Colombias labor framework, the NFTC pointed out, The constitutional and statutory protections that protect Colombian workers are based on the International Labor Organizations (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. Colombia has ratified 60 ILO Conventions, including all eight fundamental labor rights conventions. Detailed legal and regulatory reform continues to implement these fundamental workers rights, and this year the ILO recognized Colombia as a case of progress.

Immediate passage of the FTA recognizes the achievements to date of the comprehensive strategy of the government of Colombia, developed in consultation and cooperation with the U.S., to bring this country from the brink of becoming a failed state threatened by a terrorist insurgency and powerful drug cartels, to a vibrant nation with the restored institutional integrity capable of implementing the continued labor rights progress being sought by both the U.S. Administration and the current government of Colombia, wrote the NFTC.

The NFTC concluded, Aside from the financial, developmental, and security reasons to support Congressional approval of the FTA, there is the matter of U.S. credibility. After participating in negotiations, signing a free trade agreement, and witnessing it being overwhelmingly approved by the Colombian government, U.S. inaction affects the United States credibility as a trusted partner. Currently, the U.S. is in a position to dispel these fears and make significant financial and strategic gains by approving the United States Colombian FTA. Therefore, the National Foreign Trade Council urges prompt approval of the U.S-Colombia FTA.

To read the full text of the NFTCs comments, clickhere. (www.nftc.org/default/trade/FTA/NFTC Comments on Colombia FTA.pdf)

To review all submissions to the Federal Register, click here.

About the NFTC

Advancing Global Commerce for 95 Years – The National Foreign Trade Council is a leading business organization advocating an open, rules-based global trading system. Founded in 1914 by a broad-based group of American companies, the NFTC now serves hundreds of member companies through its offices in Washington and New York.

Visit us at www.nftc.org and on Facebook.

USA*Engage Honors Rep. Jim Moran for Commitment to Trade and Global Engagement

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Washington DC – USA*Engage and the National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) today hosted a luncheon to honor Representative Jim Moran (D-VA) for his leadership on international trade, diplomacy and U.S. global engagement for nearly two decades. During the 12th annual USA*Engage lunch, Rep. Moran discussed the important role trade plays in fueling the U.S. economy, and the need for increased engagement with other nations, as opposed to additional unilateral sanctions.

“USA*Engage has recognized for many years policy leaders, Republican and Democrat, who are leading lights on trade, foreign policy and national security. These kinds of leaders know in their gut that it is in America’s national security and economic security interests to work with our friends and allies and not to sanction them,” said USA*Engage Co-Chair Del Renigar. “It is my pleasure today to add Jim Moran to this pantheon of wise leaders. Congressman Moran has a long history of commitment to our country. Notable among his many accomplishments is his strong consistent support for free trade and global engagement.”

In particular, USA*Engage recognized Rep. Moran for his recent vote opposing an amendment to the FY2010 State, Foreign Appropriations bill, which would have prohibited the Export-Import Bank from supporting U.S. exports to companies worldwide that may have business ties with Iran’s energy sector. The NFTC and USA*Engage believe that the amendment amounted to a unilateral U.S. sanction on worldwide companies and would have severely harmed America’s companies and workers and more importantly, companies operating in the same countries whose governments are playing leading roles in multilateral efforts to influence the Iranian regime.

During his remarks regarding additional sanctions against Iran being proposed by members of Congress, Rep. Moran stated, “The reality is that if we impose sanctions, they [other nations] won’t, and simply, they will have a stronger foothold. Our response isn’t effective and nor will it be. We need to empower those young people [of Iran], the majority of whom are under 25. Sanctions just give more fuel to the propaganda of the regime.”

Since its inception, USA*Engage has maintained a commitment to advocating for diplomacy and dialogue as means of addressing important political, social and economic concerns facing the global community. USA*Engage also remains a strong proponent of trade and citizen diplomacy, and consistently opposes U.S. unilateral sanctions.

In addition to being honored for his stance against unilateral sanctions, the congressman was also applauded for his efforts to reform U.S. policy toward Cuba and for his support of the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA) and other trade-liberalizing legislation.

With regard to trade, Rep. Moran highlighted the economic impact, noting, “Some 550,000 jobs in California are due to trade, 340,000 in Texas, millions more jobs in our economy. Seventy percent of our small and medium-sized businesses are directly or indirectly related to exports.”

“Congressman Moran is one of the true champions of trade and diplomacy in Congress. He has stood up time and time again in support of what he believes is right and has cast votes that are based on his belief in the value of economic and diplomatic engagement, even when it was not politically convenient to do so,” said Director of USA*Engage Richard Sawaya. “We deeply value his leadership and are pleased to honor him today.”

About USA*Engage

USA*Engage (www.usaengage.org) is a coalition of small and large businesses, agriculture groups and trade associations working to seek alternatives to the proliferation of unilateral U.S. foreign policy sanctions and to promote the benefits of U.S. engagement abroad. Established in 1997 and organized under the National Foreign Trade Council (www.nftc.org), USA*Engage leads a campaign to inform policy-makers, opinion-leaders, and the public about the counterproductive nature of unilateral sanctions, the importance of exports and overseas investment for American competitiveness and jobs, and the role of American companies in promoting human rights and democracy world wide.

About the NFTC

The National Foreign Trade Council (www.nftc.org) is a leading business organization advocating an open, rules-based global trading system. Founded in 1914 by a broad-based group of American companies, the NFTC now serves hundreds of member companies through its offices in Washington and New York.
 

NFTC and USA*Engage Welcome New Cuba Regulations Notes “More Work Left to Be Done”

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Washington, DC – The National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) and USA*Engage today welcomed the release of new Cuba regulations by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security. The regulations, which implement President Obama’s April 13 directive on Cuba policy, loosen restrictions on the ability of Cuban Americans and businesspersons to travel to Cuba, expand the amount of remittances and other items that may be sent or brought to Cuba, and allow for increased participation by U.S. businesses in Cuba’s telecommunication industry.

“We welcome the new regulations, which represent a shift in U.S policy and will help to advance diplomacy through increased travel to and communication with Cuba,” said NFTC President and USA*Engage Co-Chair Bill Reinsch. “In particular, we applaud changes in rules regulating the provision of telecommunications services and the loosening of travel restrictions related to the sale of agriculture, medical and communications equipment, allowing for increased contact between Cuba and the U.S. private sector.”

“While these changes are encouraging, Congress and the Administration can’t lose sight of the fact that there is much more work left to be done to reform U.S. Cuba policy,” said NFTC Vice President for Global Trade Issues Jake Colvin. “We encourage Congress to pass legislation lifting restrictions on the right of U.S. citizens to travel to Cuba, and hope that the Administration will further loosen restrictions on the ability of students, artists, researchers and others to travel to Cuba as permitted under current law. The Administration can do more here.”

Additional information is available here.

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About USA*Engage

USA*Engage (www.usaengage.org) is a coalition of small and large businesses, agriculture groups and trade associations working to seek alternatives to the proliferation of unilateral U.S. foreign policy sanctions and to promote the benefits of U.S. engagement abroad. Established in 1997 and organized under the National Foreign Trade Council (www.nftc.org), USA*Engage leads a campaign to inform policy-makers, opinion-leaders, and the public about the counterproductive nature of unilateral sanctions, the importance of exports and overseas investment for American competitiveness and jobs, and the role of American companies in promoting human rights and democracy world wide.

About the NFTC

The National Foreign Trade Council (www.nftc.org) is a leading business organization advocating an open, rules-based global trading system. Founded in 1914 by a broad-based group of American companies, the NFTC now serves hundreds of member companies through its offices in Washington and New York.

Leading Business Groups Urge Federal Court to Dismiss South African Alien Tort Lawsuit

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Washington, DC – The National Foreign Trade Council, joined by the National Association of Manufacturers, the U.S. Council for International Business, the Organization for International Investment and USA*Engage, today filed an amicus brief with the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in support of defendants who are appealing a lower court ruling in the alien tort lawsuit charging multinational corporations with aiding and abetting human rights violations during apartheid in South Africa.

The lawsuit, now known as Balintulo v. Daimler, AG, et al., was originally filed in 2002 against 85 U.S. and European companies that had done business in South Africa prior to 1994. The case was dismissed in Federal District Court in 2005, but was sent back to that Court by the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in 2007. Since then the District Court has ruled that the case may go forward and the defendants have appealed to the Second Circuit to dismiss the case. This amicus brief is in support of that appeal.

This is one of several lawsuits brought under the alien tort statute that allege the conduct of lawful business in a country with a poor human rights record constitutes aiding and abetting violations of international law. The NFTC has urged the federal courts to dismiss these cases.

The amicus brief filed today cites the fact that both the U.S. and the South African governments have asked that the case be dismissed and concludes that where the executive branch determines that trade will promote the interests of the United States (and improve the lot of foreign citizens as well) courts must respect that determination by shutting down inconsistent litigation at the earliest opportunity.

For a full copy of the brief, please click here.

 

About USA*Engage

USA*Engage (www.usaengage.org) is a coalition of small and large businesses, agriculture groups and trade associations working to seek alternatives to the proliferation of unilateral U.S. foreign policy sanctions and to promote the benefits of U.S. engagement abroad. Established in 1997 and organized under the National Foreign Trade Council (www.nftc.org), USA*Engage leads a campaign to inform policy-makers, opinion-leaders, and the public about the counterproductive nature of unilateral sanctions, the importance of exports and overseas investment for American competitiveness and jobs, and the role of American companies in promoting human rights and democracy world wide.

About the NFTC

The National Foreign Trade Council (www.nftc.org) is a leading business organization advocating an open, rules-based global trading system. Founded in 1914 by a broad-based group of American companies, the NFTC now serves hundreds of member companies through its offices in Washington and New York.

NFTC, USA*Engage Applaud Senator Webb’s Burma Visit

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Washington, DC – The National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) and USA*Engage today released a statement applauding Senator Jim Webb for his two-day diplomatic visit to Burma this past weekend.

“Senator Webb’s success in negotiating with the Burmese government to secure the release of American prisoner John Yettaw and to meet with Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi is tangible evidence of the crucial role diplomacy and engagement play in advancing relations with nations that do not necessarily subscribe to U.S. values and ideals,” said NFTC President and USA*Engage Co-Chair Bill Reinsch.

“Instead of pursuing U.S. national interests through diplomacy, members of Congress embrace economic sanctions, despite all their unintended consequences,” said USA*Engage Director Richard Sawaya. “We welcome Senator Webb’s recognition that sanctions do not change the behavior of regimes at odds with the United States. In the case of Burma, they have in fact stiffened the resolve of its military and hurt U.S. commerce to the benefit of China. We commend the senator’s support for diplomacy that may include commercial engagement.”

Since its inception in 1997, USA*Engage has advocated for increased engagement and dialogue between the United States and the international community, as opposed to unilateral sanctions. Through various initiatives, USA*Engage helps to inform policymakers’ perspectives on the diplomatic and economic costs of a U.S. foreign policy too reliant on sanctions.
 

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About USA Engage

USA*Engage (www.usaengage.org) is a coalition of small and large businesses, agriculture groups and trade associations working to seek alternatives to the proliferation of unilateral U.S. foreign policy sanctions and to promote the benefits of U.S. engagement abroad. Established in 1997 and organized under the National Foreign Trade Council (www.nftc.org), USA*Engage leads a campaign to inform policy-makers, opinion-leaders, and the public about the counterproductive nature of unilateral sanctions, the importance of exports and overseas investment for American competitiveness and jobs, and the role of American companies in promoting human rights and democracy world wide.

About the NFTC

The National Foreign Trade Council (www.nftc.org) is a leading business organization advocating an open, rules-based global trading system. Founded in 1914 by a broad-based group of American companies, the NFTC now serves hundreds of member companies through its offices in Washington and New York.

 

NFTC Statement On Administration’s Planned Review of U.S. Export Controls

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Washington, DC – The National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) today applauded the Administration’s announcement of a comprehensive export control system review. NFTC President Bill Reinsch, a former Under Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration in the Clinton Administration, released the following statement:

“The President’s announcement is good news because export control reform is long overdue. But export control reviews are frequently announced, occasionally begun, and never completed. The really good news will be when it is finished. I have every confidence that will happen and look forward to providing input into the process.”

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About the NFTC

Advancing Global Commerce for 95 Years – The National Foreign Trade Council is a leading business organization advocating an open, rules-based global trading system. Founded in 1914 by a broad-based group of American companies, the NFTC now serves hundreds of member companies through its offices in Washington and New York.

Visit us at www.nftc.org and on Facebook.

Coalition for Security and Competitiveness Welcomes Administration’s Announcement on Export Control Review

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Washington, DC – The Coalition for Security and Competitiveness (CSC) today welcomed the White House’s announcement that the Administration will conduct a comprehensive review of U.S. export controls. The CSC, which was initially formed in 2007 by eight leading trade and industry organizations to provide recommendations for enhancing both security and competitiveness through modernization of U.S. export controls, issued the following statement in response to the White House’s announcement:

“The CSC welcomes the President’s announcement and applauds his leadership on this important issue. The Coalition strongly supports practical measures aimed at improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the export control regime. The need for new policies and processes to advance our national security, foreign policy and economic interests has never been more compelling than it is right now. The Coalition looks forward to working with the Administration on this issue as the review gets underway.”

CSC members include the Aerospace Industries Association, the Association of American Exporters and Importers, the AMT – Association for Manufacturing Technology, Business Roundtable, the Coalition for Employment Through Exports, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, the Industrial Fastener Institute, the National Association of Manufacturers, the National Defense Industrial Association, the National Foreign Trade Council, the Satellite Industry Association, The Space Foundation, TechAmerica and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
 

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About the CSC

The Coalition for Security and Competitiveness was launched on March 6, 2007 with the forwarding to President Bush of initial recommendations for enhancing U.S. security and competitiveness through modernization of the export control system. Formed by eight leading associations, the Coalition seeks to modernize the export control system so that America is prepared to meet the security and economic challenges of the 21st century.

NFTC, USA*Engage Applaud 11th Circuit Court’s Decision in Sinaltrainal Alien Tort Case

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Washington DC – The National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) and USA*Engage today welcomed a decision issued by the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, dismissing Sinaltrainal, et al. v. the Coca-Cola Company, et al., a case in which plaintiffs, who were trade union organizers, brought suit against two bottling companies in Colombia under the Alien Tort Statute. The plaintiffs alleged that the defendants, which included the Coca-Cola Company, aided and abetted Colombian paramilitary forces’ crimes against humanity.

“We applaud the 11th Circuit Court’s unanimous decision to uphold the District Court for the Southern District of Florida’s dismissal of the case,” said NFTC President and USA*Engage Co-Chair Bill Reinsch. “Numerous cases have been brought by plaintiffs against U.S. and foreign multinational companies under the Alien Tort Statute, when companies have in fact acted lawfully. This decision has added the Circuit Court’s voice to the growing body of jurisprudence that limits the liability of private companies for the actions of governments in whose territory they have operations.”

The NFTC and USA*Engage have long been active in opposing expansive use of aiding and abetting in alien tort cases and have filed amicus briefs in several such cases including this one.

For a full copy of the 11th Circuit Court’s decision, click here.

About USA*Engage

USA*Engage (www.usaengage.org) is a coalition of small and large businesses, agriculture groups and trade associations working to seek alternatives to the proliferation of unilateral U.S. foreign policy sanctions and to promote the benefits of U.S. engagement abroad. Established in 1997 and organized under the National Foreign Trade Council (www.nftc.org), USA*Engage leads a campaign to inform policy-makers, opinion-leaders, and the public about the counterproductive nature of unilateral sanctions, the importance of exports and overseas investment for American competitiveness and jobs, and the role of American companies in promoting human rights and democracy world wide.

About the NFTC

The National Foreign Trade Council (www.nftc.org) is a leading business organization advocating an open, rules-based global trading system. Founded in 1914 by a broad-based group of American companies, the NFTC now serves hundreds of member companies through its offices in Washington and New York.

Trade Associations Urge President Obama to Move Forward on Bipartisan U.S. Trade Agenda

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Business Community Leaders Ask President to Highlight Benefits of International Economic Engagement in Upcoming Trade Speech

Washington, DC – The National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) today, along with five other leading trade associations, wrote President Obama, urging him to use the occasion of his upcoming speech on international trade to discuss the importance of global economic engagement to the growth of the U.S. economy and job and export opportunities for American workers and industries. In addition to NFTC President Bill Reinsch, the leaders of Business Roundtable, the Emergency Committee for American Trade, the National Association of Manufacturers, the United States Council for International Business and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce signed the letter.

“U.S. companies and the millions they employ depend on robust trade and economic engagement with the world to sell the goods they produce and services they provide,” said NFTC President Bill Reinsch. “Taking action to strengthen our economic ties with other nations is vital and overdue, and we hope that President Obama will define and act on his vision of a bipartisan trade agenda in the coming weeks.”

The leaders of the six associations wrote, “At this time, your leadership is essential to start a new dialogue with the American people on how a revitalized bipartisan trade policy, along with domestic-competitiveness initiatives, can promote America’s success and get our economy moving forward again. While we can all cite statistics about how the United States’ exports, imports and investment bolster economic activity here at home, the challenge is to make those facts real for the many Americans who are fearful about losing their jobs and concerned that America can no longer compete successfully in the international economy.”

The business leaders pointed out that the Administration’s dialogue on trade should remind Americans, “domestic initiatives are vital to help restart our economy and create new jobs for our workers.” They also credited the Administration’s early expansion of the trade adjustment assistance program with “helping to ensure that workers have the skills and training to fill those new jobs.” While recognizing the importance of providing assistance to workers in industries dislocated because of trade, they also emphasized that trade and trade agreements are not the major cause of job loss in America.

“As the world’s largest exporter of goods and services that is recording a $21 billion manufactured-goods surplus with our free-trade agreement partners, the United States benefits enormously from international engagement but also faces steep challenges, both from other countries’ barriers and those here at home,” the letter stated. “In order to grow our economy, ensure good-paying jobs for Americans, enhance our national security and renew our country’s leadership position in the world, the United States cannot stand still in the international economic sphere. Rather, we need to revitalize our export and international trade leadership by moving forward actively on multilateral, regional and bilateral market-opening opportunities.”

In addition to pressing for passage of the three pending trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea, the associations urged the president to pursue “major market-opening agreements with the Asia-Pacific and beyond.” The associations concluded the letter by outlining the costs to the United States if action is not taken on the trade agenda, and requested a meeting with the president to discuss these issues further.

For the full text of the letter, click here.
 

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About the NFTC

Advancing Global Commerce for 95 Years – The National Foreign Trade Council is a leading business organization advocating an open, rules-based global trading system. Founded in 1914 by a broad-based group of American companies, the NFTC now serves hundreds of member companies through its offices in Washington and New York.

Visit us at www.nftc.org  and on Facebook.

NFTC Launches Trade and Climate Working Group

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Washington, DC – The National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) today announced the launch of a new Trade and Climate Working Group, which will focus on the trade- and competitiveness-related aspects of U.S. and global climate policies.

The Working Group will address key policy issues at the intersection of trade and climate change. These issues arise in domestic legislation and international negotiations aimed at curbing climate change and include: ensuring trade-related climate measures in domestic legislation comply with global trade rules; promoting liberalized green trade and U.S. leadership in support of a comprehensive environmental goods and services trade agreement; highlighting the need for strong protection of intellectual property rights to spur the development of new environmental technologies and green jobs in the United States; and advocating an international framework for dealing with trade and competitiveness-related climate measures.

With the recent passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 in the House, the likelihood of Senate action in the fall, and international climate negotiations set to conclude in Copenhagen in December, there are a number of moving parts that could impact the trading system and the global competitiveness of our member companies, said NFTC Vice President for Global Trade Issues Jake Colvin. “The United States has a tremendous opportunity to create new jobs through green trade and the development and deployment of innovative clean technologies, but success depends on the extent to which climate policies are grounded in a rules-based international framework.”

Jeremy Preiss, Vice President, Chief International Trade Counsel for United Technologies Corporation (UTC) and a member of NFTC’s board, will serve as the corporate chair of the new Working Group. The groups goal is to inform policymakers in Washington and elsewhere about the potential impact climate policies may have on the trading system and the need for multilateral agreement on permissible trade-related climate measures, said Preiss. Trade and climate policies must be mutually reinforcing to advance environmental goals and promote the growth of green trade and jobs. If the policies conflict, the threat of a new era of green protectionism grows greater, and trade and the environment could both suffer.

The Working Group, which is open to NFTC board members, is designed to provide opportunities to collaborate on and advance member company interests with respect to trade-and-competitiveness aspects of U.S. and international climate policies.

Representatives from NFTC plan to participate as observers in the Conference of Parties (COP) 15 in Copenhagen this December, the set of international negotiations held under the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC), which are expected to result in an international agreement on climate policies.
 

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About the NFTC

Advancing Global Commerce for 95 Years – The National Foreign Trade Council is a leading business organization advocating an open, rules-based global trading system. Founded in 1914 by a broad-based group of American companies, the NFTC now serves hundreds of member companies through its offices in Washington and New York.

Visit us at www.nftc.organd on Facebook.