About Trade
"Free and fair trade helps secure a future of freedom and promise."
President George W. Bush
World Trade Week Proclomation
May 16, 2008
News Highlights
Gutierrez Discusses Bilateral Trade with Australian Trade Minister
Washington (Jan. 31)—Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today met with Simon Crean, Minister for Trade of Australia, to discuss the close trade relationship between the two nations, as well as ways the United States and Australia can work together toward a successful Doha round of WTO negotiations. Since entering into the U.S.-Australia FTA three years ago, overall bilateral trade has increased 27 percent, and the U.S. had a projected $10 billion surplus with Australia last year alone.
Free Trade Means Jobs for Americans, Says President Bush
Torrance, Calif. (Jan. 30)—President George W. Bush toured Robinson Helicopter to discuss the economy and urge Congress to quickly pass the economic stimulus package to get money in the hands of American consumers. He also highlighted the contribution of exports to our economic growth, and the need to pass pending free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea. “Free trade means good paying jobs for Americans,” said President Bush… “Congress needs to pass these agreements for the sake of economic vitality.” (More)
Schwab Discusses Trade Agenda, Highlights Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement
Washington (Jan. 29)—United States Trade Representative Susan C. Schwab hosted a media roundtable following President Bush’s final State of the Union address. Ambassador Schwab fielded questions about the Administration’s trade agenda, which she said is “clearly in the interest of American workers and farmers, ranchers manufacturers, service providers.” (More)
Bush Calls on Congress to Pass Stimulus Package and Free Trade Agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea
Washington (Jan. 28)—In his final State of the Union address, President George W. Bush highlighted the need to quickly pass an economic stimulus plan that “is a good agreement that will keep our economy growing and our people working.” He also noted the importance of passing pending free trade agreements saying, “They will support good jobs for the finest workers in the world: those whose products say ‘Made in the USA’.” (More)
Rice Highlights Importance of Colombian FTA Passage while in Medellin with Bipartisan Congressional Delegation
Medellin, Colombia (Jan. 24)—Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice led a Congressional delegation to Colombia to highlight the importance of the pending U.S.-Colombia free trade agreement and focus on the economic and political progress that has taken place there in recent years. “The Bush Administration’s support for the FTA is not because we believe that the Colombian story is perfect or complete, but because we believe that in the context of the growth and economic activity that the free trade agreement will produce, Colombia will be better able to meet its problems and meet its challenges and forge a future ahead,” said Rice. (Remarks) (Fact Sheet)
