While a U.S.-Peru bilateral agreement moved forward in Congress, the Council of the Americas brought together Ambassador John Veroneau of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and Colombia's Minister of Trade Luis Guillermo Plata. Speakers emphasized the need for congressional approval of a trade deal with Colombia, a key U.S. ally in the hemisphere.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the U.S.-Peru Trade pact Thursday by a wide margin, paving the way for the Senate to approve the deal. A new AS/COA update outlines the house's approval.

Addressing AS/COA members on October 22, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs R. Nicholas Burns discussed White House policy toward Latin America, particularly Bogotá. "The U.S. finds itself at a crucial crossroads in our relations with Colombia," said Burns, emphasizing the need for trade deals with that country, Peru, and Panama. 

The Bush administration continues to urge congressional approval of free-trade agreements with Peru, Colombia, and Panama. But while action on the Peru deal appears imminent, the Colombia and Panama deals face obstacles. A new AS/COA update outlines congressional action on the agreements.

In a recent referendum, Costa Ricans narrowly voted in favor of joining the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement. Costa Rica,the first country to hold a public vote on whether to join, was deeply divided. During AS/COA's Latin American Cities Conference in San Salvador, participants discussed DR-CAFTA as an engine for Central American economic growth. 

In a Latin Business Chronicle op-ed, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper notes his country's ongoing free trade negotiations with Colombia and expresses concern over delays in U.S. approval of the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement.

In an op-ed to the Miami Herald, Senator Richard Lugar urges Congress to support Colombia's efforts to boost security by passing free-trade legislation.