NFTC Statement on USTR Notification to Congress on Colombia FTA, TAA and Korea Beef Protocol

Washington, DC – The National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) today welcomed news from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) that Ambassador Kirk sent to the leadership of committees of jurisdiction a letter regarding the Administration’s intent to begin technical discussions on implementing legislation for the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The NFTC also welcomed news that the Administration will engage with Congress in the near term to advance legislation renewing the Trade Adjustment Assistance program, and will request consultations with the Korean government to discuss the existing beef protocol once the KORUS FTA enters into force. The NFTC released the following statement:

“We applaud the Administration for following through on a commitment made by Ambassador Kirk in early March to begin working with the Colombian government to advance the free trade agreement as expeditiously as possible. In the past two months, the Administration has engaged more on the FTA than it has in past two years, and the recent progress that has been made is noteworthy,” said NFTC President Bill Reinsch. “We are glad that ratification of the FTA is now within reach. This would not be possible without Colombia’s cooperation and leadership and we commend the Colombian government for its due diligence in completing the first set of steps outlined in the Action Plan Related to Labor Rights initialed by both governments last month.”

“Colombia has long been a friend and ally of the United States, and the trade agreement will not only help to boost economic growth, increase exports and support jobs in both countries; it will also formalize and cement a longstanding economic and diplomatic partnership with one of the fastest growing economies and oldest democracies in the hemisphere,” said NFTC Vice President for Regional Trade Initiatives Chuck Dittrich. “We welcome today’s announcement by USTR, and look forward to working with Members of Congress in the coming weeks to advance a robust trade agenda that includes the ratification of the Colombia, Panama and Korea FTAs, as well as an extension of the Trade Adjustment Assistance program, the Andean Trade Preference Act to eligible countries and the Generalized System of Preferences. We are also pleased that the Administration has plans to engage in consultations with the Korean government to discuss the U.S.-South Korea beef protocol, in an effort to further open the Korean market to U.S. beef regardless of its age.”

###

About NFTC
Advancing Global Commerce for Nearly A Century- 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.
Follow us on:

News & Insights

NFTC Statement on USTR Notification to Congress on Colombia FTA, TAA and Korea Beef Protocol