Chamber Applauds House Passage of Andean Trade Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The United States Chamber of Commerce applauded today's passage of the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (H.R. 3009) by the House of Representatives as a move to stimulate international trade and deter narcotics trafficking in the Andean region.

"For the United States, trade expansion is crucial if we are to stimulate the economy and retain good jobs," said Willard A. Workman, senior vice president for international affairs. "This legislation will encourage greater commerce between U.S. businesses and potential trading partners in South America. It also will create legitimate jobs in the Andean nations and provide the citizens of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru with alternatives to drug trafficking.

"The private sector seized on the opportunities in the first Andean trade bill back in 1991," added Workman, "and since that time, a wide range of export-oriented businesses have been established in the Andean countries, generating jobs, boosting tax revenues, and strengthening civil society. This new bill will ensure that these economic benefits endure."

The bill was approved on a voice vote. The Chamber worked alongside a coalition of companies and business organizations to secure the victory. The Chamber is optimistic that today's vote will swing more undecided members of Congress in favor of the critical vote still to come - Trade Promotion Authority.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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