US and Colombia sign trade deal

**Hannibal** · 11-23-06, 05:33 AM

The Bush administration has signed a multi-billion dollar free trade agreement with Colombia.

The pact comes despite warnings from Congress - which is now controlled by the opposition Democratic Party - that it has deep reservations over the deal.

Colombia's finance minister said the move would benefit Colombia's economy and its efforts to improve security.

The deal is America's biggest in the Western Hemisphere since 1994's North American Free Trade Agreement (Nafta).

However, the deal has yet to win Congressional approval.

Agreements with Peru and Vietnam are awaiting similar approval, while US trade officials are trying to negotiate trade deals with countries including Malaysia and South Korea.

The agreement will deepen and strengthen our trade ties by providing new opportunities for US businesses
John Veroneau, US Deputy Trade Representative

Pressure for the agreements to be approved is mounting, as US President George W Bush's special "fast-track" authority to negotiate trade deals expires next year.

After 30 June 2007, the US Congress will once more have the right to change or veto any agreement that Mr Bush signs.

Criticism

Congress has voiced objections to the trade pact with Colombia as it fails to protect internationally agreed worker rights such as the abolition of child labour, protection against discrimination and freedom to join a union.

Opponents of the Bush administration also claim that such deals do little to protect US companies from unfair trade practices.

"The agreement will deepen and strengthen our trade ties by providing new opportunities for US businesses, manufacturers, farmers and ranchers to export their goods and services to one of Latin America's most robust economies," deputy trade representative John Veroneau said.

Once agreed, it is expected to make more than 80% of US consumer and industrial exports to Colombia duty free. Trade between the two countries reached $14.3bn ($11bn) last year.

"The Free Trade Agreement will create permanent commercial channels so that our products could compete in the US market, therefore creating more revenue and jobs for millions of Colombians," Colombia's finance minister Jorge Humberto Botero added.

Mr Botero also said the pact would "be a great tool" in the US-backed fight against terrorism and drug-trafficking

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/h...ss/6175168.stm

**Hannibal** · 11-23-06, 05:35 AM

Mr Botero also said the pact would "be a great tool" in the US-backed fight against terrorism and drug-trafficking

I disagree with this move. I believe that this trade agreement will open new opportunities to smuggle more people and dope into the U.S. and may create new avenues for terrorist attacks. Just my .02, what do you think?

**General Patten** · 11-23-06, 05:44 AM

Originally Posted by Ronin Warrior

I disagree with this move. I believe that this trade agreement will open new opportunities to smuggle more people and dope into the U.S. Just my .02, what do you think?

I could see it happening, depending on whats being shipped here...

**Hannibal** · 11-23-06, 06:00 AM

I also predict many US jobs being lost in favor of cheaper labor, just like NAFTA.

**General Patten** · 11-23-06, 06:01 AM

Originally Posted by Ronin Warrior

I also predict many US jobs being lost in favor of cheaper labor, just like NAFTA.

oh god, thats just what we need...

**BigDawg** · 11-23-06, 08:18 AM

well let me play devils advocate here......can we ship them illegal immigrants in return for the cocaine they will ship us???

I think this was a bad deal and will end up costing the US in the long run.

**conalabu** · 11-23-06, 08:22 AM

"After 30 June 2007, the US Congress will once more have the right to change or veto any agreement that Mr Bush signs."

Nice shot. In any case, bad idea. We are just opening a more legitimate doorway for them to sneak shit through.

**Jackalope** · 11-23-06, 12:50 PM

Free trade does not mean the same thing as open borders. Free trade simply means that tariffs and regulation are reduced or eliminated. Goods coming in from other countries are still subject to Customs inspections. Whether or not those inspections are carried out is a different matter.

It's not a security issue, it's an economic issue. And both sides will benefit economically.

**ida40dj** · 11-23-06, 01:07 PM

thought we already had this they have been sending their dope here forever!!

**gozling** · 11-25-06, 10:39 AM

Originally Posted by BigDawg3533

well let me play devils advocate here......can we ship them illegal immigrants in return for the cocaine they will ship us???

I think this was a bad deal and will end up costing the US in the long run.

++++++