Opinion Editorial

Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez
Opinion Editorial, Miami Herald

History will severely judge a rejection of FTAs

Last week, in Medellin, Colombia, a bipartisan U.S. delegation rode high above a once violent and poverty-stricken neighborhood of Santo Domingo Savio in El Metro Cable, a modern mass-transit cable system. We saw a revitalized community driven by leaders like Colombian President Alvaro Uribe and Medellín Mayor Sergio Fajardo, who are cleaning up the streets, fighting narco-terrorists and attracting investment.

A community once in the hands of drug lords has been transformed. Children today can play in the streets, and parents have the opportunity to work and make a life for their families.

Colombia is a stunning example of bipartisan foreign policy success. The United States has contributed almost $5 billion to Plan Colombia, an initiative to promote the peace process, combat the narcotics industry, revive the economy and strengthen democracy. Since 2000, kidnappings are down by 76 percent, terror attacks by 61 percent and homicides by 40 percent. And, Colombia has made great strides in the healthcare and education of families and children.

Colombia and its neighbors Panama and Peru, which we also visited last week, all have pending free trade agreements (FTAs) with the United States. Combined, these markets represent more than 75 million consumers and $246 billion in GDP. They are three of the fastest growing economies in the world. These FTAs will boost U.S. exports to these growing markets.

With our help, Colombia can continue moving forward, embracing the principles of democracy, justice, rule of law and expanding prosperity -- or return to the years of violence and corruption.

In the past, Latin American countries being overrun by guerrilla movements and drug cartels have reacted with dictatorships, martial law and canceled elections. Remarkably, Colombia's turnaround has been accomplished while staying true to democratic principles.

Colombia's economy grew 8 percent in the first quarter of this year and has grown 5.2 percent annually since 2002. Poverty has declined from 60 percent in 2000 to 45 percent in 2006. Colombia has far to go but should be applauded for its progress.

Some in the United States want to focus on the legacy of violence and drug trafficking which has plagued the beleaguered country for decades, rather than on Colombia's progress and hope-filled future. President Bush wants to help Colombia on the road of prosperity and security. Today, we have the opportunity to do just that.

Congress should pass these FTAs. Congress already allows 90 percent of their goods to enter our markets duty free. These FTAs will give our farmers and workers the same preferences Congress has given their workers. We know that open markets benefit our economy. Since 2001, our trade with FTA countries in the hemisphere has skyrocketed by 60 percent.

As our nation's seventh largest exporter, Florida is an export gateway with merchandise shipping to 222 destinations globally. With its ties to Latin America, Florida's farmers, workers and businesses will gain tremendously with these FTAs.

Florida exported $1.6 billion to Colombia in 2006, the second largest total among the states, accounting for 23 percent of U.S. exports to Colombia. Florida's shipments to Panama increased 84 percent from 2002 to 2006, up to $578 million last year. And exports to Peru totaled $658 million.

FTAs not only boost U.S. exports, they help export good governance, good business practices and a healthy respect for the rule of law. These trade agreements strengthen key allies by promoting economic freedom and opportunity at a time when there are those in the Hemisphere who seek just the opposite.

The vast majority of our regional neighbors are on the right path. Now is not the time to turn away from friends in the region -- a region that includes Cuba, a country sadly mired in the past, self-isolated from democratic reforms and economic freedom.

History will severely judge a rejection of these trade agreements, especially Colombia. Not passing a free trade agreement with Colombia would be a glaring foreign policy blunder the United States cannot afford. For our exporters, for our national security and for our allies, now is the time for United States leadership. Our continued political and economic engagement will only serve to create a safer, more prosperous region and a future of hope and opportunity.

Carlos M. Gutierrez is secretary of commerce. This article is adapted from a speech he is scheduled to deliver today at the Americas Conference, co-sponsored by The Miami Herald, at the Biltmore Hotel.