Extending Permanent Normal Trade Relations to Vietnam

EXTENDING PERMANENT NORMAL TRADE RELATIONS TO VIETNAM -- (House of Representatives - November 13, 2006)

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my strong support for the permanent normalization of trade relations (PNTR) with Vietnam. With the Doha round of global trade talks in limbo, the U.S. must continue to pursue an active bilateral trade agenda that makes real gains for America's working families.

My hometown of Laredo has been transformed by trade. Since the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), I have watched as trade transformed communities in Texas from areas of marginal business activity, to some of the most rapidly developing counties in the nation. Laredo now serves as the largest inland port in North America and takes in 60 percent of all NAFTA traffic.

But our current trade agreements are simply not enough. In today's global economy, we cannot afford to stand idle but instead must push ahead with increased trade liberalization. The Vietnam agreement does just that.

Agricultural products are crucial exports for my congressional district. With Vietnam's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and our new trade relations, Vietnam will reduce tariffs on most U.S. agricultural exports to 15 percent or less. Texas farmers will be able to sell in the Vietnamese market on a level playing field with competitors in other WTO member countries. Without PNTR with Vietnam, Texas's exporters will lose. I urge my colleagues to join me today in making history and supporting America's working families by granting Permanent Normal Trade Relations to Vietnam.

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