MCLEAN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) President and CEO Kraig R. Naasz issued the following statement today commending Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) for scheduling committee votes on June 30 on pending free trade agreements with South Korea, Panama and Colombia.
“AFFI has long advocated for approval of all three trade agreements, which will enable the U.S. frozen food industry to expand into new, rapidly growing international markets. Each agreement provides increased market access and new economic opportunities for our industry, while ensuring U.S. frozen food producers remain on an even playing field with foreign competitors.
“Once implemented, these agreements will boost U.S. exports and create more U.S. jobs. At a time when American businesses are working so very hard to lead an economic recovery, swift congressional action on all three trade pacts is urgently needed. It is our hope that Congress can give final approval to all three pacts before adjourning for their summer recess in August.
“In addition, we urge Congress to couple approval of these deals with extensions of the Andean Trade Preferences and Drug Eradication Act and the Generalized System of Preferences. Extending these vitally important trade preferences programs will further increase the economic competitiveness of American businesses.”
A summary of the frozen food benefits contained in the South Korea, Panama and Colombia trade agreements is available here.
The American Frozen Food Institute is the national trade association promoting and representing the interests of all segments of the frozen food industry. AFFI works to foster industry development and growth, and advocates before legislative and regulatory entities on the industry’s behalf. More information can be found at www.affi.com.