Dallas Morning News - "Free Trade With Colombia Will Benefit North and South"

Op-Ed

Dallas Morning News - "Free Trade With Colombia Will Benefit North and South"
By U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez and U.S. Sen. John Cornyn

Throughout history, Dallas-Fort Worth has benefited through trade - from the Fort Worth cattle trails, to a hub for railroads and now a focal point for global markets. North Texas is a leader in making its state the nation's top exporter at a time when exports are a greater part of America's economy than ever.

Now we need to do everything we can to make sure Texas and America compete in an increasingly global economy and keep good jobs here at home. Opening overseas markets expands U.S. export opportunities and levels the playing field for American exporters by lowering trade barriers.

Three free-trade agreements are now pending with Colombia, Panama and South Korea. All should be given a vote and passed.

Industries and businesses of all sizes benefit from open markets. This includes computers and electronics, chemicals and agriculture - all industries that contribute to Dallas-Fort Worth's global leadership. In 2007, Texas companies exported $2.3 billion to Colombia, leading the nation in exports to the country.

But currently the goods and services Texas sends to Colombia are subject to unfair treatment. Passing the Colombia free-trade agreement allows Texas companies even greater access to Colombia's 48 million consumers.

For more than 16 years we've had one-way free trade with Colombia. Congress has given most Colombian imports duty-free access to the American market, while American exporters to Colombia still pay hundreds of millions in tariffs each year. Today, 9,000 U.S. companies export nearly $9 billion to Colombia. However, when we make duty-free trade with Colombia a two-way street those numbers will grow.

Past free-trade agreements have proven successful. For example, more than a quarter of North Texas' trade - and $73 billion of the state's exports - are to North American Free Trade Agreement countries. Some are now calling for us to take a "timeout" on trade and potentially quit trade agreements like NAFTA, even as they ironically say America needs to work more with other countries.

Free-trade agreements not only boost economic progress, but they also symbolize a commitment to national security and social justice.

Recent tensions have revealed the continued threat facing Colombia. It is critical that the United States supports Colombia in its fight against terrorism and drug trafficking. The free-trade agreement is an important way to help achieve these goals and support stability in a region with unpredictable neighbors.

Others will be looking closely at what we do in Colombia. They will be watching to see if we turn our back on a key ally and on the undeniable progress that Colombia has made.

The Colombia Free Trade Agreement is an important indicator for the direction our nation is headed. Will we remain at the forefront, breaking down barriers to trade and commerce and fostering growing democracy, prosperity and hope? Or will we retreat into a period of economic isolationism and protectionism?

Dallas-Fort Worth is a land of big opportunities. The region's decision to pioneer new trade routes and invest in attracting businesses has paid off with a dynamic, growing economy. Our country needs to keep heading in that direction so we can continue to win and compete in the global economy.

For the sake of our nation's security and prosperity, and ensuring stability in a volatile part of the world, we should pass this critical agreement with Colombia.

Please visit TradeAgreements.gov for updated information on pending free-trade agreements.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez and U.S. Sen. John Cornyn may be reached through cgutierrez@doc.gov or http://www.cornyn.senate.gov/.

Source