Chamber Applauds Passage of U.S.-Bahrain FTA

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce praised the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate for demonstrating bipartisan support and passing the U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement.

"From a regional standpoint, this comprehensive agreement –the first with a Gulf country –will set a high standard for future FTA's with Gulf Cooperation Council member countries and other countries in the region" said Daeman Harris, Chamber Director of Middle East and Africa Affairs. "This agreement represents another step towards a broader Middle East Free Trade Area."

This represents the first ratified Free Trade Agreement between the U.S. and a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council. The agreement provides new opportunities for U.S. companies to gain access to the Bahraini market and will increase Bahrain's competitiveness in the region

Bahrain has proven itself to be a trusted ally to the U.S. in the Global War Against Terror.

Security agreements between the two countries has allowed U.S. forces access to Bahrain facilities and the ability to be better prepared in case of future crisis in the region. A codified trade relationship between the U.S. and Bahrain is a natural progression in the bilateral relationship and represents the importance of this longstanding strategic relationship.

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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