Reed Applauds U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Deal

Press Release

Congressman Tom Reed today praised the announcement of a deal reached to allow the U.S.-Colombia free trade agreement to move forward after reaching agreed-upon labor and judicial reforms. Rep. Reed recently led a letter to the President, which was signed by 67 Republican freshmen, urging swift action on the Colombia, Panama and South Korea free trade agreement early last month.

Colombia is an important market for America's farmers and ranchers. In 2010, the U.S. exported $832 million of agricultural products to Colombia, the second highest export total in South America. This FTA will bring new opportunities to farmers, manufacturers, service providers and workers.

"I am very happy the administration took heed and moved quickly on this free trade agreement with Colombia," Reed said. "This agreement will level the playing field for farmers, manufacturers and service providers not only in the 29th Congressional District of New York, but all over the U.S. As we have seen in the past, New York State exports to foreign nations surged after every free trade agreement was enacted with those countries. I am confident we will see similar results now. This is a huge step for American farmers and workers and will help to create some substantial jobs. I urge the Administration to quickly send all three pending free trade agreements to Capitol Hill so Congress can enact these job creating FTAs."

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