Office of the United States Trade Representative

 

Statement by USTR Schwab on House Passage of the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement
11/08/2007


"Today's vote marks an historic achievement for the U.S.
and Peruvian people.  The U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement is the foundation of an enduring partnership with one of America’s key friends and allies in Latin America.  This free trade agreement (FTA) is the first to incorporate the enhanced labor and environmental protections set out in the May 10 bipartisan agreement between the Administration and the House and Senate Democratic and Republican leadership.  American farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, service providers, and their employees will at last have preferential access to this growing market.  Peru’s people will be able to enjoy continued economic growth and greater economic and political stability by cementing a trade relationship with the largest market in the world,” said Ambassador Schwab. 

“The conventional wisdom last fall was that the President and Congress could not come together to make progress on a pro-trade agenda.  The Administration reached out to build on shared principles and sort out honest differences.  At the time – almost exactly one year ago – I said that divided government means shared responsibility, and that we should look forward to the future as partners – because the world is watching. 

"Today, the hard work and risk-taking of many are bearing fruit.  I want to express my appreciation to Chairman Rangel, Ranking Member McCrery, and Representatives Levin and Herger for their true leadership in proving the beltway conventional wisdom wrong, showing the world that the U.S. can lead, and rebuilding bipartisan support for a forward-looking U.S. trade agenda.  I look forward to an equally strong and bipartisan vote as soon as possible in the Senate, and additional successes on the Colombia, Panama, and Korea FTAs in the near future.”

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