FTA plea by Bush
Gulf Daily News, 18th November 2005
FTA PLEA BY BUSH
By ABDULRAHMAN FAKHRI
MANAMA
MANAMA: US President George W Bush yesterday urged the US Congress to approve a long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Bahrain.
Senate and House of Representatives hearings into the FTA were held last month, as politicians debated whether or not to ratify it.
However, it has still not been approved and President Bush yesterday stressed the importance of the deal - saying it was of mutual benefit to both countries.
"This agreement enhances our bilateral relationship with a strategic friend and ally in the Middle East and will promote economic growth and prosperity in both nations," said President Bush. "In negotiating this agreement, my administration was guided by the objectives set out in the Trade Act of 2002.
"The agreement reflects my administration’s commitment to opening markets and expanding opportunities for American workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses. "The agreement will open Bahrain’s market for US manufactured goods, agricultural products and services.
"As soon as it enters into force, the agreement will eliminate tariffs on all manufactured goods that the US sells to Bahrain and immediately remove Bahrain’s import duties on over 80 per cent of US agricultural products.
"The agreement is also one of the most comprehensive ever negotiated to reduce barriers to trade in services and will create new opportunities for US services firms."
President Bush’s comments were made as he transmitted legislation and supporting documents to implement the Bahrain-US Free Trade Agreement to Congress, which were referred by Congress to its Ways and Means Committee.
He said it would increase bilateral co-operation, adding that it would strengthen democratic steps taken by Bahrain.
"The agreement contains procedures that will facilitate co-operation between the US and Bahrain on environmental and labour matters," he said.
"The labour chapter of the agreement reinforces Bahrain’s recent legislative actions to expand democracy and improve the protection of worker rights, including trade union rights.
"Provisions in the agreement requiring effective enforcement of environmental laws will contribute to high levels of environmental protection.
"The approval of this agreement will be another significant step towards creating a Middle East Free Trade Area by 2013.
