John Shaw: “As chairman of the Florida congressional delegation, I welcome trade ministers from 34 democratic countries to Miami…”

“As chairman of the Florida congressional delegation, I welcome trade ministers from 34 democratic countries to Miami, Florida, for the latest ministerial meeting of the Free Trade Area of the Americas currently under way. Scheduled for completion in 2005, the FTAA would represent the largest free trade area in the world, encompassing these 34 nations with a combined population of 800 million people. The FTAA will be a linchpin to economic growth, spurring trade and investment to the benefit of United States businesses, labor and consumers alike. In addition, I urge the selection of Miami as the permanent home of the FTAA secretariat. The Florida delegation remains committed to ensuring an FTAA secretariat in Miami because of the city's rich cultural and business ties to Latin America. In fact, this House in April of 2000 voted unanimously in support of Miami's designation. With three international airports and three seaports, Miami is truly the gateway to the Americas. In fact, Enterprise Florida has estimated the creation of 90,000 new jobs and an increase of $13.6 billion annually to Florida's gross State product. Again, I welcome the international community to south Florida, and remain mindful that trade alone is only part of the FTAA equation. The principles underlying a commitment to free trade are the same principles that foster free societies. International trade is more than just the exchange of goods and services.”