USTR Gives Update on its Work to Implement Panama & Colombia FTAs
On December 19, 2011, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative provided another update regarding implementation efforts for the free trade agreements with Colombia and Panama.
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Continuing to Receive and Translate Materials from Colombia
USTR says that it is continuing to receive and translate materials from Colombia regarding steps necessary to bring that agreement into force.
Obtaining Materials from Panama to Assess Its Implementation
U.S. officials are also continuing work with the Government of Panama to obtain the materials necessary to assess Panama’s implementation steps.
FTA Implementation Steps Previously Outlined by USTR
USTR has previously outlined the following steps toward FTA implementation:
- Ratification. The parties must ratify the FTAs, which has happened in both the Colombian and Panamanian legislatures.
- Cooperative implementing work. Cooperative work is scheduled with the parties on implementing the FTAs. The U.S. will hold discussions with the partner countries to review both countries’ laws and regulations, and ensure compliance with the obligations of the FTA that will take effect on the day the FTA enters into force. U.S. officials will also consult with Congress and with U.S. stakeholders.
- Compliance. Each partner country must demonstrate that it is in compliance with those obligations that will take effect on day one in order for the FTAs to enter into force.
- Labor Action Plan. In the case of Colombia, the Administration will also ensure that Colombia has successfully implemented key elements of the Labor Action Plan before bringing that agreement into force.
- Exchange of diplomatic notes. The provisions of the FTAs provide for entry into force through the exchange of formal diplomatic notes at a time agreeable to both countries. In the U.S., the President must first determine that the trading partner has come into compliance with obligations that will take effect when the agreement enters into force.
- Proclamation for tariff changes, etc. The FTA implementing bills contain all changes to U.S. law necessary to bring the U.S. into compliance with the agreements. In addition to these changes in U.S. law, for each FTA, the U.S. will issue a proclamation containing specific tariff revisions and product-specific rules, and make additional administrative and regulatory changes covering issues such as customs and procurement.
(See ITT's Online Archives 11122116 for summary of USTR's work to implement the Korea FTA.
See ITT's Online Archives 11120624 for a previous USTR update of implementation activities for the three FTAs.
See ITT’s Online Archives 11101417 for summary of USTR outlining the steps for implementation of the FTAs.)