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GMA Urges Passage of Trade Agreements

GMA Urges Passage of Trade Agreements

WASHINGTON — Grocery Manufacturers Association here this week praised the Obama administration for sending to Congress legislation on free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea.

"We urge Congress to implement these free trade agreements as soon as possible," said Pamela G. Bailey, president and chief executive officer of GMA. "By passing FTAs with South Korea, Panama and Colombia, we will create a level playing field for U.S. products that increase our competitiveness in those countries and help the food, beverage and CPG industry innovate, expand and create new jobs."

The CPG industry exports $50 billion worth of goods to 215 countries around the globe, generating a $10 billion trade surplus, GMA said.

The European Union's trade agreement with South Korea went into effect July 1, and a trade agreement between Colombia and Canada became effective Aug. 15.

"The food, beverage and CPG industry is an important cornerstone of the U.S. and global economy and quick passage of these agreements will ensure U.S. goods will not be placed at a competitive disadvantage," Bailey said.