"We congratulate the Dominican Republic government for passing the Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement by an overwhelming margin.

"They now join El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and the United States in approving the CAFTA-DR.

"We will be coordinating with the CAFTA governments over the next few weeks to determine when to put the agreement into effect.

"CAFTA-DR offers more than free trade. It offers new hope for easing poverty, fostering development, and strengthening democracy. It is about strengthening the rule of law and improving transparency to counter corruption.

"This agreement levels the playing field for American workers, farmers and businesses, expands choices for consumers and strengthens democracies in our neighborhood."