WALLY HERGER: “I support this short-term extension of the Andean preferences. U.S. trade preferences for Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and…”

“I support this short-term extension of the Andean preferences. U.S. trade preferences for Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia have furthered important economic development and political purposes, including creating incentives that shift from production of illegal drugs to legitimate products, increasing economic growth in these countries and strengthening democracy in the region. The Andean trade preference expires on June 30. I believe that extending these preferences is very important, but only as a short-term bridge to implementing bilateral free trade agreements with these countries. Such FTAs are reciprocal, open up more trade opportunities, and provide permanent tariff reductions for U.S. interests as compared to the temporary tariff reductions provided to Andean interests by the preferences. For example, the pending FTAs with Peru and Colombia will greatly enhance our economic and trade ties to the benefit of the Andean and U.S. industries and workers.”