Senate Finance Chair Discusses FTA, ATPA, Customs Issues During Visit to Colombia
During the President’s Day recess, Senate Finance Chairman Baucus (D) traveled to Colombia to meet with Colombian government, labor, and business officials.
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During his visit, Chairman Baucus addressed Colombian business leaders to highlight the urgent need for the U.S. to approve the pending U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) this year. Baucus continued to press for quick approval of the pending FTA and urged the development of a concrete plan to address labor issues in order to secure U.S. approval of the U.S.-Colombia FTA.
Chairman Baucus also expressed his commitment to passing the pending FTA in 2011 to Colombia’s president. Baucus also pledged to continue to work to renew the Andean Trade Preference Program, which expired on February 12, 2011.
In addition, Chairman Baucus toured the Port of Cartegena and stressed the importance of effective customs enforcement and counternarcotics. During his meeting with port officials, Baucus highlighted the Port Security Program, a collaborative effort between the governments of Colombia and the U.S. and private industry, as a strong example of coordination between the U.S. and Colombia.
(See ITT’s Online Archives or 02/25/11 news, 11022513, for previous BP summary on Baucus’ meeting with labor leaders.)
Baucus press release on labor meeting available here
Baucus press release on meeting with Colombia’s president available here
Baucus press release on meeting with customs officials available here