Washington, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands) is pleased to announce the Greater Houston Partnership and Port of Houston have been selected to host  the eighth round of negotiations for the U.S.- Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) October 20-24. 

 

"Texas is the largest exporting state in the country.  Opening up markets and trade with Central America will bring only strengthen Texas' position as an exporter and cause Texas, U.S. and Houston products and services to flourish globally. 

 

"Nearly 1,200 Houston companies trade goods and services with the countries of Central America.  At least 29 Houston firms have subsidiaries in Central America.   It makes perfect sense that some of the final rounds of talk would take place here in Houston", said Brady.

 

The five Central American countries currently in negotiations with United States Trade Representatives are; Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.  Congressman Brady, a deputy whip and member of the Ways and Means Committee has been a lead supporter for the CAFTA and is charged with gathering support for the proposal since the President announced his intention to explore a FTA with Central America in January 2002.

 

The U.S. is the main supplier of goods and services to Central America.  Key U.S. exports to Central America include machinery and equipment; chemical and plastics; foodstuffs including apples, corn, wheat and rice; textiles and apparel; and paper. 

The October meetings in Houston are the next to the last round of negotiations before a final agreement is sent to Congress for approval in January.