CONTACTS: Linda Rozett/Eric Wohlschlegel
(202) 463-5682 / 888-249-NEWS

 

Friday, August 1, 2003

 

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The United States Chamber of Commerce today hailed Senate passage of the U.S.-Chile and U.S.-Singapore Free Trade agreements.

 

“These are landmark trade agreements that will eliminate trade barriers for U.S. exports,” said U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas Donohue.  “These agreements will strengthen the competitiveness of American companies — both big and small — throughout the world.”

 

The U.S.-Chile agreement will immediately eliminate Chilean tariffs on more than 85 percent of U.S. exports, restoring a level playing field for American workers, farmers and businesses, according to the Chamber.  The U.S.-Singapore agreement will ensure the competitiveness of U.S. companies in the largest market for U.S. goods and services in Southeast Asia.

 

“The Senate passage of these agreements sends a clear message that the United States is prepared to improve trade and economic relations with countries that stay on the path of economic reform, free markets and democracy,” Donohue added.

 

The U.S. Chamber is among the leaders of the U.S.-Chile and U.S.-Singapore Free Trade coalitions.  More than 500 companies and business organizations have joined the coalitions in the months since negotiations for the agreements were completed.  Last week, the Chamber sponsored a fly-in and Capitol Hill rally to demonstrate to Congress the strong grassroots and small business support for passage of the two trade agreements.

 

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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