*EPF413 05/11/00
Text: Barshefsky on Senate's Passage of Africa-Caribbean Trade Bill
(Calls it "encouraging sign" for trade legislation) (750)

U.S. Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky has praised the Senate for giving final passage to a bill that would expand duty-free access to many imports from sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean and Central America.

In a May 11 press release issued shortly after the 77-19 vote, Barshefsky said passage of the bill indicates U.S. support for African economic and political reform.

She also said the bill would support the Caribbean and Central America's movement toward a Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), which is scheduled for completion in 2005.

Following is the text of the press release:

(begin text)

OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE
Executive Office of the President
Washington, D.C.
20508

USTR Barshefsky Hails Final Passage of Africa/CBI Trade Bill

United States Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky today hailed final passage of the Africa-Caribbean Basin Enhancement Initiative trade bill, and praised the Senate for its quick action. The legislation provides greater duty-free access to U.S. markets for more than 70 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean and Central America.

"With passage of this bill today, and the President's Executive Order yesterday to help combat HIV/AIDS in Africa, both the Administration and Congress have shown their deep commitment to a revitalized Africa, which is already making impressive strides in economic development and political reform," said Ambassador Barshefsky. "Likewise, the Caribbean Basin Enhancement Initiative moves us another step closer to achieving the economic and social goals of the Miami Summit of the Americas."

The Senate voted 77-19 today to approve the bill, one week after the House passed the bill, 309-110. This is the first major trade legislation Congress has adopted since 1994, when they approved a bill that led to the creation of the World Trade Organization.

"The overwhelming bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate is a victory for open trade and a recognition of the vital role that trade plays in economic development worldwide. It's an encouraging sign that Congress can overcome contentious issues in trade legislation and approve bills that are clearly in the best interests of the United States and our trading partners," Ambassador Barshefsky said.

The Africa Growth and Opportunity Act will stimulate market-led investment, economic growth, and rising living standards in some of the world's poorest countries. The duty and quota free market access accorded in the bill will offer eligible African countries the opportunity to better compete with other countries that have traditionally utilized a strong American market to fuel growth and strengthen peace and democracy. A stable, secure, and prosperous sub-Saharan Africa is not only good for Africans, but for the United States as well. As reform spurs growth in Africa, it will create new and bigger markets for U.S. exports.

The Caribbean Basin Enhancement Initiative marks a significant step forward in the development of stronger economic ties in the region. During the past 15 years, the Caribbean Basin Initiative has played a key role in the economic and political development in the region, which in turn has resulted in better export markets for U.S. goods and services.

The Caribbean Basin Enhancement Initiative also provides assistance to help Caribbean and Central American countries to rebuild their economies devastated by hurricanes Mitch and Georges. Finally, the CBI Enhancement is a bridge to the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). As they move forward on trade opening and market reform, Caribbean countries are preparing to form an integral part of the FTAA, which will be concluded by 2005.

Ambassador Barshefsky praised President Clinton for his leadership on this bill, which is part of a broader initiative to support African countries' integration into the multilateral trading system. The President's Partnership for Economic Growth and Opportunity in Africa was announced in 1997 and embodies key policy objectives essential to stimulating economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa and facilitating Africa's integration into the global economy.

Ambassador Barshefsky also praised members of her career staff who have worked for many years on these issues. These include: Peter Allgeier, Associate U.S. Trade Representative for the Western Hemisphere, Caroyl Miller, Deputy Chief Textile Negotiator, and Rosa Whitaker, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for African Affairs.

In addition, she commended the tireless efforts of her Congressional staff, Emily Beizer, Andrew Barbour, and Dario Gomez, for their work on this legislation.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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