Donohue’s Bogotá Speech Calls for Continued Action on Colombia Trade Agreement

U.S. Chamber President Says Burden Rests on Congress

Bogotá, Colombia-In a speech today before the Colombian-American Chamber of Commerce in Bogotá, U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue applauded Colombia as a vital trading partner and urged its political and business leaders to continue to press the U.S. Congress for action on the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement.

“Let me be very clear – the burden now rests on the Congress of the United States, on the government of the United States and on the people of the United States to pass this agreement,” Donohue said. “Every day of delay hurts American workers, hurts American companies, hurts American farmers – and it hurts Colombia too.”

Referencing the success of previous trade agreements, Donohue urged business leaders in Colombia to press the U.S. Congress for action on the agreement through increased lobbying visits to Washington. He also warned them to prepare for the baseless verbal attacks that their country will face as the agreement moves forward.

“Despite many distractions, let’s keep our eyes on the prize,” he said. “Do the hard work of getting ready, educating members of Congress about Colombia, and building support for the agreement.”

While in Colombia, Donohue met with President Álvaro Uribe and U.S. Ambassador William Brownfield. Beyond the trade agreement, he highlighted the Chamber’s support for an expedited, global economic recovery by supporting extraordinary action from Congress and the Federal Reserve, fighting protectionism and strengthening intellectual property protection.

Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Western Hemisphere, Press Release, June 1, 2009

s Colombia the new Ireland?

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