For Immediate Release:January 19, 2006
Contact:Christine
Gunderson/Dan Nelson (202) 482-4883
U.S. AND MEXICO REACH
AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE ON CEMENT TRADE
Washington, DC - U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez released
the following statement following the agreement in principle reached between
the U.S. and Mexico that will resolve a sixteen-year dispute and liberalize
trade in cement between the two countries:
"The agreement is a positive step toward resolving a sixteen-year
dispute between the U.S. and Mexico. The decision underscores the strong
trading relationship with one of our NAFTA trading partners and our ability
to resolve trade disputes in a constructive manner.
"The agreement will help ensure that Gulf Coast communities have
the resources to rebuild and it will also help U.S. cement producers access
the Mexican market.
"This is an important achievement for the Bush administration because
it will increase the availability of cement for American home builders
and buyers. Liberalizing trade in cement between the U.S. and Mexico will
encourage businesses to build, and it will help to create jobs and new
opportunities for our citizens.
"We will continue to work with our counterparts to finalize the
text of the agreement in order to ensure that outstanding issues are resolved."