Commerce Secretary Evans and Colombian President Uribe Talked Trade, Investment and Cooperation

Commerce Secretary Don Evans and Colombian President Alvaro Uribe today held discussions aimed at deepening and strengthening commercial relations between the two countries, including resolving critical trade and investment issues.

“The United States enjoys a strong relationship with Colombia, and we greatly appreciate Colombia’s friendship and support in the war on terrorism. I also want to thank President Uribe and the people of Colombia for their efforts in the global fight against drugs,” said Secretary Evans. “Both terrorism and the drug trade have the same effect –they threaten stability and stifle hope for the future.”

“Improving our commercial and trading relationship will help establish a strong foundation for our two economies to flourish. While there is still much work to do, we are committed to helping the people of Colombia realize their economic destiny,” stated Evans.

Evans and Uribe discussed ways to improve the trade and investment climate in Colombia. Central to those discussions were trade benefits conferred by the 2002 Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act. Evans also stressed the importance of Colombia’s participation and leadership in the on-going Free Trade Area of the America’s negotiations.