In a meteoric session on Wednesday, October 12 2011, US Congress approved trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama that had been languishing for years.
While the pact with South Korea is expected to have the largest impact on the United States economy, the three agreements are considered a victory for the present administration. At the same time, Colombian and Panamanian media are giving ample display to the approval of the pacts in congress. Presidents Santos and Martinelli expressed satisfaction from Cartagena and Panama City, respectively, calling these, pivotal developments in the trade relations between their countries and the US. In the meantime, representatives from different sectors of the economy are showing certain nervousness and wondering if the two countries are ready for the challenges they might face with increased competition from imported products. One thing is for sure, we can expect to see more Colombian fruit and flowers in our homes.
Written by Mayra Taylor
Photo courtesy of Junior student María Bryan. Santa Marta, Colombia, July 2011