U.S. Chamber Hails Administration Trade Agenda

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Chamber of Commerce commended U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick for actively pursuing trade initiatives that will promote economic growth and create jobs.

"A large part of winning the war on terrorism is strengthening our economy," said Willard Workman, U.S. Chamber senior vice president for international affairs. "Expanding trade is essential to our future economic security."

The Chamber supports Ambassador Zoellick's emphasis on the need for multilateral and bilateral trade agreements during his testimony before the Senate Finance Committee.

Increasing the number of U.S. trade deals, by taking the necessary first steps should be a top priority for Congress this year, according to the Chamber. To achieve this, lawmakers must give the president trade promotion authority, authorize and appropriate the funds necessary to combat foreign export subsidies, and end ineffectual and unilateral economic sanctions.

"If the administration's trade initiatives are successful, they will result in significant economic growth and job creation for American businesses and workers," said Workman. "Congress must not stand in the way of future trade deals and economic growth."

The United States also needs to invest in the infrastructure of trade. To that end, the Chamber is pleased with the president's budget request increases for the U.S. Export-Import Bank and customs modernization, and expects the administration to continue to resist "feel-good", but ineffective, unilateral economic sanctions such as those suggested in the "No Safe Harbor Act."

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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