The lessons on the merits of trade continue to resonate in the 21st century with the countries most threatening stability and peace being the ones least engaged in the global economy. As we continue to see today, trade is the best basis for a solid and sustainable relationship among countries and nations.

In testimony to U.S. Congress, COA Vice President Eric Farnsworth offered support for the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement.

Ideally, the nations of the Andes would be parties to a single free trade agreement with the United States that would go into effect the day after the trade and drug agreement expires.

As the G-8 Heads of State concluded their meeting in St. Petersburg, Russia, there was some lip service paid to the need to conclude the Doha Development Agenda, the latest round of WTO trade talks.

In an exclusive interview with AS/COA, Pablo de la Flor analyzed the future of the U.S.-Peru FTA and its implications for both countries and the region. De la Flor urged passage of the FTA in the U.S. Congress and noted that 60% of the Peruvian population believes that the agreement, ratified in Peru, will be beneficial to the country's interests.

Hernando José Gómez highlighted the benefits of increased market access and explained the domestic and international reaction to the agreement. He pointed out that opening an economy to international markets brings greater growth and a reduction in the income gap with richer countries.

It hasn't happened often in recent years, but some good economic news is now coming out of the Caribbean.