CalChamber Outlines Trade Priorities for Newly Confirmed U.S. Trade Official Shortly after the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly confirmed former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk as the new U.S. trade representative this week, the California Chamber of Commerce outlined its strong support for free trade and urged him to work for approval of U.S. free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and Korea. CalChamber, March 20, 2009
A Tentative Free Trade Deal for S. Korea and E.U. South Korea and the European Union on Tuesday reached a tentative agreement to scrap tariffs on goods traded between them, a deal that, if ratified, would send a strong signal on free trade at a time of rising protectionist tendencies. International Herald Tribune, March 24, 2009
China Calls for New Global Currency China is calling for a new global currency controlled by the International Monetary Fund, stepping up pressure ahead of a London summit of global leaders for changes to a financial system dominated by the U.S. dollar and Western governments. Associated Press, March 24, 2009
"CalChamber Companies in the News" is a regular feature in the CalChamber's Trade Update newsletter, highlighting the international activities of member companies who have been featured in the news.
California Coalition For Free Trade The CalChamber Council for International Trade (CIT) is urging members of the business community to join (click here to download membership form) its coalition working to secure congressional approval of the free trade agreements (FTAs) with Colombia, Panama and South Korea. Companies .or associations that join the California Coalition for Free Trade will be included on the rapidly growing list of FTA supporters. There is no cost to join the coalition, which will keep members apprised of its activities and how to be supportive of the FTAs. For more information on the FTAs or to join the coalition, visit www.calchamber.com/international
Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement The Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement ( the Trans-Pacific Partnership) was signed by New Zealand, Chile, Singapore, and Brunei in the summer of 2005. In September 2005, negotiations for the United States to join the Trans-Pacific Agreement were launched. Australia, Peru, and Vietnam also indicated interest in participating in negotiations from the first round. Status: Negotiations postponed Click here for Additional Information
U.S.-Colombian Trade Promotion Agreement A bilateral TPA that will lower tariffs and foster increased trade between both countries. This agreement is a critical element of a possible U.S.-Andean Free Trade Agreement and of the U.S. strategy to liberalize trade through bilateral, regional and multilateral initiatives. CalChamber position: Support Status: Pending Congressional Action Click here for Additional Information
U.S.-Panama Free Trade Agreement A bilateral FTA that will lower tariffs and foster increased trade between both countries. A U.S.-Panama Free Trade Agreement is a critical element of the U.S. strategy to liberalize trade through multilateral, regional and bilateral initiatives. The agreement will also increase momentum toward lowering trade barriers and set a positive example for other small economies in the Western Hemisphere. CalChamber position: Support Status: Pending Congressional Action Click here for additional information
U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement A bilateral FTA which will lower tariffs and foster increased trade between both countries and is a critical element of the U.S. strategy to liberalize trade through multilateral, regional and bilateral initiatives. CalChamber position: Support Status: Pending Congressional Action Click here for additional information
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