Emergency Committee For American Trade

ECAT Welcomes Renewal of Trade Preference Programs

News Release For Immediate Release

December 14, 2009 Contact: Marc Fricchione

202.659.5147

ECAT Welcomes Renewal of Trade Preference Programs

Urges Continued Attention to Rule-of-Law Issues

Washington, D.C., December 14, 2009: Calman J. Cohen, President of the Emergency Committee for American Trade (ECAT), issued the statement following passage in the House of Representatives of H.R. 4284 to extend the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program and the Andean Trade Preferences Act (ATPA) for one year.

“ECAT strongly supports the GSP and ATPA programs, which have produced important economic growth opportunities in developing countries around the world that help alleviate poverty and diversify developing-country economies. These programs also have important benefits for the United States, by improving global partnerships, supporting the competitiveness of U.S. industry and the choices of U.S. consumers. Through their eligibility criteria, U.S. preference programs are also important tools to foster the rule of law, fairness and economic reform and greater stability around the world. ECAT is therefore pleased that the House has moved forward to not let these important programs lapse and urges quick action by the Senate.

“While ECAT very much wants to see a stronger, more reciprocal relationship with Colombia through the passage and entry-into-force of the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement as quickly as possible, ECAT strongly supports the continued extension of the ATPA program for both Colombia and Peru in order to ensure that trade flows are not undermined until both trade agreements are fully implemented.

“As noted in the President’s June 30, 2009, report reviewing Ecuador’s ATPA status and independent sources such as Transparency International and the World Bank, Ecuador continues to move backwards with regard to its respect for the basic rule of law, including through government corruption, denial of justice in its court system and repudiation of contracts. Ecuador has also recently announced that it will repudiate its Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) with the United States. While ECAT is disappointed that Congress did not take even stronger action with respect to Ecuador, ECAT welcomes the six-month review process that was included in this legislation and will work intensively with the Administration and Congress to ensure a robust and meaningful review of whether Ecuador’s actions warrant its continued receipt of ATPA benefits.”

# # #

Founded in 1967, ECAT is an organization of the heads of leading U.S. international business enterprises representing all major sectors of the American economy. Their annual worldwide sales exceed $2.7 trillion and they employ more than 6.4 million persons. ECAT’s purpose is to promote economic growth through the expansion of international trade and investment.

Attached Document(s): 12-14-09 ECAT Release on ATPA and GSP Renewal.pdf