GMA, Cabinet Members Discuss U.S. Int'l Trade Policy
WASHINGTON -- Grocery Manufacturers Association president and c.e.o. Cal Dooley met yesterday with senior members of President George W. Bush's Cabinet to discuss the United States' international trade agenda.
"Free and fair trade is critical to the continued success and growth of the U.S. economy, and free and fair access to global markets is vital to ensuring the food, beverage, and consumer products industry has fair access to customers worldwide today and into the future," said Dooley in a statement. "[This] meeting once again highlights this Administration's commitment to trade."
Trade and business leaders from a variety of sectors took part in breakout roundtable discussions with Cabinet members. Among the topics addressed were the importance of foreign markets to U.S. companies and the key role a robust international trade agenda plays in assuring the continued growth and diversification of the nation's overall economy, and the importance of seeking the opening of additional foreign markets.
Later, President Bush spoke to the participants about his continued commitment to achieving a positive conclusion to Doha Development Round, which has the objective of lowering trade barriers around the world, as well as his aim to gain congressional approval of four pending free trade agreements with Peru, Panama, Colombia, and South Korea, respectively.
In an example of its strong commitment to international trade, GMA sent a letter to the Hill supporting the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) and encouraging members to vote for it when it comes to the floor later this week.
The GMA board of directors consists of c.e.o.'s from the association's member companies.
"Free and fair trade is critical to the continued success and growth of the U.S. economy, and free and fair access to global markets is vital to ensuring the food, beverage, and consumer products industry has fair access to customers worldwide today and into the future," said Dooley in a statement. "[This] meeting once again highlights this Administration's commitment to trade."
Trade and business leaders from a variety of sectors took part in breakout roundtable discussions with Cabinet members. Among the topics addressed were the importance of foreign markets to U.S. companies and the key role a robust international trade agenda plays in assuring the continued growth and diversification of the nation's overall economy, and the importance of seeking the opening of additional foreign markets.
Later, President Bush spoke to the participants about his continued commitment to achieving a positive conclusion to Doha Development Round, which has the objective of lowering trade barriers around the world, as well as his aim to gain congressional approval of four pending free trade agreements with Peru, Panama, Colombia, and South Korea, respectively.
In an example of its strong commitment to international trade, GMA sent a letter to the Hill supporting the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) and encouraging members to vote for it when it comes to the floor later this week.
The GMA board of directors consists of c.e.o.'s from the association's member companies.