Opinion Editorial

Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez
Opinion Editorial, La Opinión, Los Angeles, California
“Commerce Is For Colombia”

Spanish

Hispanic Heritage Month provides Hispanic-Americans an opportunity to reflect on our deep affection for the United States, and our special relationship with our friends and neighbors in Latin America. More than 45 million strong, the Hispanic-American community is a diverse population, yet there are a few characteristics that bind us together: pride in our shared culture, respect for one another’s values and above all, a love of freedom.

Today there is no better way we can affirm our commitment to these ideals than by approving the pending free trade agreement with Colombia.

Developing free markets and expanding trade are essential for encouraging democracy and freedom in our hemisphere. Economic openness has helped Latin America, made the United States more competitive in global markets, and expanded opportunities for Hispanic-American entrepreneurs who do business with Latin America.

This is more important than ever for the United States, Colombia and our entire hemisphere. During this time of economic uncertainty increasing our competitiveness must be a top priority. By taking steps to lower trade barriers and reform our economies we will make all our economies more attractive and poised for growth.

The spread of open, free markets encourages transparency, violence reduction, infrastructure development, educational achievement and the creation of a stable consumer class. We have seen time and again that lowering barriers to trade contributes to building prosperous societies.

The proof is in the results of existing agreements. With the Dominican-Republican-Central American-United States-Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) not only has the volume of trade increased with the United States, but trade between the countries in the region has also grown. Mexico’s middle class is larger than ever, and U.S.-Mexico trade increased from $81 billion in 1993, to $347 billion last year. In Chile, trade, investment, incomes and social welfare have all flourished since our trade agreement was implemented in 2003.

These goals align with our nation’s vision for a democratically-governed hemisphere in which people are free to work, worship and express themselves how they best see fit. Hispanic-Americans should enthusiastically champion this vision for those in our region still fighting the foes of freedom each day.

Colombia has engineered a dramatic turnaround, with violence and poverty showing dramatic decreases. At the same time employment, gross domestic product per capita, educational achievement and social justice have significantly increased in the past decade. A close American ally, Colombians continue to fight terrorists and drug lords, while remaining true to democracy and committed to free markets in the face of Anti-American neighbors who have little use for either.

The people of Colombia and the 800,000 Colombian-Americans have been waiting for action on this agreement for more than a year. Congressional leadership has ignored calls from Americans and Colombians to bring this legislation up for a vote. Not passing this agreement would represent a shift away from free markets and openness. It would make others in the region doubt our friendship and question our commitment to their stability and progress. Critically, it puts in jeopardy many of Colombia’s achievements over the past decade.

I have seen the progress in Colombia first-hand while leading four bipartisan congressional delegations over the last year. During our visits they heard from Colombians on the left and right; from labor, environmental and democracy groups and from government officials. While not all members who traveled to Colombia will support passage of this agreement, I am confident that if given an opportunity a majority of the Congress will support its passage.

I was born in Cuba, a country whose leaders do not value freedom. I know that many Hispanic-Americans have similar stories. We all share a special responsibility to stand up for our friends during their hour of need. Right now, Colombia is in that hour and we are at a critical moment. Hispanic-Americans should be united and vocal in their support of the free trade agreement with our Colombian neighbors. This will help promote the spread of freedom, stability and prosperity in our hemisphere.