Trade

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.

Congress has begun consideration of the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement, and a decision on its approval is expected by the end of October. A new congressional update takes a look at action on the deal, possibilities for similar agreements with Panama and Colombia, and a U.S. proposal for a new hemispheric aid initiative.

In the latest edition of Poder magazine, COA's Eric Farnsworth and Monica Guevara take a look at how Canada is expanding its reach and influence in Latin America at a time when the U.S. political establishment is divided over hemispheric priorities.

The House Ways and Means Committee voted in support of the U.S.-Peru Trade Agreement this week. Congressional approval is expected in October with the deal viewed as a potential model for other bilateral pacts. COA testimony notes the agreement's passage provides an opportunity to advance strategic policy goals and promote U.S. economic, labor, and environmental interests.