Moment of Truth Approaches for Free Trade

Contact for Interviews:    

Richard Morrison, 202.331.2273<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = “urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office” /> 

<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = “urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags” />Washington, D.C., July 27, 2005—The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote this week, perhaps tonight, on final approval of an agreement that would lower trade barriers between the United States and the nations of Latin America and the Dominican Republic. Despite the opposition it faces from labor unions and sugar and textile lobbies, bringing down the existing trade barriers between the U.S. and Central America will ultimately benefit workers and producers on both sides.

“Freer trade will benefit consumers, households, and taxpayers in the U.S. and the CAFTA-DR countries by giving them greater access to goods and services, reducing prices, and providing significant welfare gains,” writes Competitive Enterprise Institute Adjunct Fellow Frances B. Smith in the recent study CAFTA-DR: Can Free Trade Hold Up to Special Interest Siege?

“More open trade with the U.S. would spur greater economic growth and improve incomes and employment opportunities in the CAFTA-DR countries. CAFTA-DR would also establish stronger economic ties for the U.S. with not only close trading partners but also close neighbors whose continuing economic and social stability is critical in the Western hemisphere,” continued Smith.

Trade Expert Available for Interviews

Frances B. Smith

Adjunct Fellow

202-331-2268

Author of the study CAFTA-DR: Can Free Trade Hold Up to Special Interest Siege?