STATEMENT BY COMMERCE SECRETARY
CARLOS M. GUTIERREZ ON THE CONCLUSION OF
THE FREE TRADE AGREEMENT WITH COLOMBIA

MANAMA, BAHRAIN - "The free trade agreement with Colombia will advance economic growth and prosperity between our two countries and is an essential component in building political stability in our hemisphere,” Gutierrez said.

"America has the best and brightest workers and the products and services they produce can compete with any in the world as long as there is a level playing field. This agreement enables U.S. businesses to better compete in the region by protecting their intellectual property rights and eliminating tariffs. This agreement will help create new high-paying jobs in the United States and will improve the lives of millions of people in Colombia.

I look forward to working with Congress to pass this important agreement that will demonstrate once again that the best remedy for regional instability and poverty lies in free trade."