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NAM urges Administration and Congress to move forward with pending trade agreements

National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Vice President for International Economic Affairs Frank Vargo released this statement May 4 regarding the Obama Administration's letter to Congress on the Colombia free trade agreement (FTA):

"Manufacturing continues to drive our nation's recovery, and exports are playing a key role in this economic growth. The pending FTAs with Korea, Panama and Colombia are critical to reaching the President’s goal of doubling exports by 2014 and creating manufacturing jobs. Today's announcement that the Obama Administration is ready to seek congressional approval for all three agreements is a positive step for manufacturers and their employees.

"These agreements have been delayed for far too long, and the longer we wait to enact the agreements, the more market share we will continue to lose to our competitors. Manufacturers stand ready to work with Congress and the Administration to help move forward the Korea, Panama and Colombia FTAs as quickly as possible so manufacturers can begin to create jobs."