Statement from USTR Susan C. Schwab regarding Senate Finance Committee hearing on Peru FTA on September 11

“I am very pleased Congress is about to begin the formal process of enacting the Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PTPA) and is taking the first step in making the vision of the May 10 bipartisan trade agreement a reality.

The May 10th agreement is a historic bipartisan achievement for President Bush and Congressional leadership that advances the U.S. trade agenda.

The PTPA will create new economic opportunities for American farmers, ranchers, manufacturers and service providers and benefit broadly the workers of both countries.  The Agreement will forge greater economic integration, enhance pro-growth economic policies, and promote transparency and the rule of law. 

In doing so, the Agreement will reinforce the common goals and values our countries share.  I look forward to working with lawmakers from the House and Senate in a bipartisan fashion in the consideration and approval of this important free trade agreement in the coming weeks and to moving forward with the agreements concluded with Colombia, Panama and Korea soon thereafter.”

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