February 2008 News

Secretary Gutierrez to Lead Fourth Congressional Delegation to Colombia

On February 27, Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez announced he will lead his fourth bipartisan Congressional delegation since September 2007 to Colombia, February 29 - March 2. The trip will highlight the benefits of approving the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA). The Secretary stated, “During our visit, the bipartisan U.S. delegation will see firsthand the progress the Uribe Administration has made in labor rights, social justice and rule of law. Colombia’s government and people have remained diligent in their efforts to advance freedom and hope in their country.” The three-day visit to Medellín, Colombia, will underscore how increased security has led to strong economic growth, reduced poverty and strengthened democracy in Colombia. The delegation will meet with Colombian officials and discuss important issues involving Colombia. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao, a delegation member, commented, "The free trade agreement with Colombia is good for workers of both countries and we'll be talking with leaders about how to accelerate the progress that's been made in reducing labor union violence and creating more opportunities for workers."

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United States and India Discuss Key Trade Issues
On February 22, U.S. Trade Representative Susan C. Schwab and India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Kamal Nath met for the fifth ministerial-level meeting of the United States-India Trade Policy Forum (TPF).  The intensity of interaction within the different Focus Groups demonstrates the importance of this dialogue to both governments.  Consequently, the TPF has been able to address a wide range of issues, at policy as well as operational levels, leading to a number of initiatives which have expanded and deepened ties. ”The U.S. – India Trade Policy Forum offers an essential venue to move the dialogue forward on trade matters of importance to both countries,” said Ambassador Schwab.  “The Trade Policy Forum has advanced discussions on a potential bilateral investment treaty and facilitated agreements to provide market access for items of interest to both sides.” Minister Nath added, “We have been able to resolve a variety of issues and find mutually acceptable solutions through a dialogue under this Forum.” Ambassador Schwab and Minister Nath also discussed the Doha negotiations, agreeing that the U.S. and India share a commitment to conclude a successful Doha Round in 2008. The delegations also met for the second time with the U.S.-India Private Sector Advisory Group (PSAG) to the TPF, which presented its Vision Statement on key policy areas on which the Governments of India and the United States could enhance their engagement and further bolster the U.S.-India economic partnership.  View USTR press release View Private Sector Advisory Group Vision Statement

Gutierrez Underlines Importance of Free Trade Agreements to Expanding Exports

In his remarks to the 2008 National Potato Council Public Policy Conference on February 25, Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez highlighted the importance of exports and opening new markets in order to promote America’s economic health. Stating that “free trade agreements (FTAs) are the best way to help our exporters break into new markets,” he specifically noted pending FTAs with Colombia, Panama and South Korea as immediate opportunities for growth. Regarding FTAs, the Secretary stated, “Through these agreements we’ve had significant results; however we must continue to push for the access our farmers deserve.”

Gutierrez Urges Passage of Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement to Maintain Export Momentum

On February 14, U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez announced that U.S. exports for 2007 reached record-breaking levels (up 12.2 percent in 2007),and stressed the need to continue export momentum by opening up new markets and passing the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement. Gutierrez noted that many Colombian goods such as Valentine’s Day flowers come to the United States duty free, while U.S. products that support the flower industry face tariffs upon entering the Colombian market. Mr. Gutierrez stated that the U.S.’s annual trade deficit declined for the first time since 2001, adding that “U.S. exports continued to grow at record pace in 2007, more than doubling the pace of import growth.”

View Commerce press release

View report on U.S.-Colombia flower industry

Gutierrez Travels to Middle East to Attend Investment Conference, Visit Iraq and Jordan

During his February 9-11 visit to the Middle East, Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez met with Iraqi and U.S. business leaders to collaborate on ways to strengthen Iraq’s economy and to build upon recent security gains that have resulted from the U.S. troop surge. “There is no better time than now for economic liberalization and the growth of the Iraqi private sector,” Gutierrez said. “We are committed to working with our Iraqi counterparts to attract private investment into the country because an economically prosperous Iraq will advance hope and peace in Iraq.” The Secretary traveled to the region to attend the U.S.-Middle East and North Africa Trade and Investment Conference at the Dead Sea, which built upon President Bush’s January Middle East visit, during which he highlighted the value of continued economic liberalization to create jobs, prosperity and hope for the people of the region. He also visited Jordan, where he met with his economic and trade counterparts to discuss expanding trade and investment as well as visit a public-private partnership that is improving educational opportunities throughout the Middle East.

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Administration Issues Annual Intellectual Property Report

On February 11, U.S. Coordinator for International Intellectual Property Enforcement Chris Israel released the administration’s Annual Report to the President and Congress on Coordination of Intellectual Property Enforcement and Protection. The Annual Report conveys the yearly accomplishments and establishes priorities for the upcoming year for the federal agencies responsible for protecting and enforcing American intellectual property (IP) rights, both domestically and abroad. Highlights cited in the Annual Report include: record increases in IP-related investigations and prosecutions; enhanced border enforcement; expanded engagement within the WTO in an attempt to resolve IP-related trade disputes; and redoubled focus by all agencies on the public health and safety implications of counterfeit goods. Commenting on the report, Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez stated, “We realize there’s more work to be done and will work to meet the goals outlined in the report.” Israel added, “This year’s report demonstrates the continued commitment of the Administration to protect intellectual property rights with a coordinated, results-driven approach.” The Annual Report to the President and Congress on Coordination of Intellectual Property Enforcement and Protection is published by the Office of the U.S. Coordinator for International Intellectual Property Enforcement, which heads the National Intellectual Property Law Enforcement Coordination Council (NIPLECC).

View Commerce press release

View fact sheet on Coordination of Intellectual Property Enforcement and Protection

United States and Rwanda Sign Bilateral Investment Treaty

On February 19, President Bush and Rwandan President Kagame signed the United States-Rwanda Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT). The BIT will enter into force after ratification by the United States and Rwanda, following approval of the Treaty by the United States Senate and the Rwanda Parliament. This is the first BIT concluded between the United States and a Sub-Saharan African country since 1998. The BIT will provide legal protections for U.S. and Rwandan investors that underscore the two countries' shared commitment to open investment and trade policies, which include nondiscriminatory treatment and free transfer of investment-related funds. The agreement will reinforce the Rwandan government's achievements in rebuilding the Rwandan economy after the 1994 genocide. It will reinforce efforts the Rwandan government has made to open the economy, improve the business climate, and embrace trade and investment as a means to boost economic development and help alleviate poverty. Bilateral trade flows increased by 40 percent in 2007, totaling nearly $29 million. Products from Rwanda are eligible for duty-free access to the United States under the African Growth and Opportunity Act and the Generalized System of Preferences.

View White House press release

United States to Join Sectoral Negotiations with Four Asia-Pacific Countries

On February 4, U.S. Trade Representative Susan C. Schwab announced that the United States will join negotiations on investment and financial services set to begin in March among Singapore, Chile, New Zealand and Brunei, known as the “P-4” group of countries. These four countries have negotiated their own Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership, based largely on the United States’ FTAs with Singapore and Chile. While the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement entered into force in 2006, the investment and financial services chapters remain to be negotiated. Schwab commented, “This initiative… will provide another opportunity for the United States to participate in the regional trade architecture that is emerging in the vitally important Asia-Pacific region.” As it begins investment and financial services negotiations with the P-4 countries, the United States will also begin a detailed exploratory process to determine whether it should participate in the full Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership.

View USTR press release

United States and Russia Reach Uranium Agreement

On February 1, Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez and Russian Federal Atomic Energy Agency (Rosatom) Director Sergey Kiriyenko signed a long-term suspension agreement governing trade in nuclear fuel. This agreement will provide U.S. utilities with a reliable supply of nuclear fuel by allowing Russia to export to the U.S., while minimizing any disruption to the United States’ domestic enrichment industry. This agreement allows for sales of Russian uranium products directly to U.S. utility companies under a quota for Russian exports during 2014 and 2020. Prior to this new agreement, Russia was unable to sell enriched uranium products to U.S. utilities.

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