Washington, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands), charged with spearheading Congressional support for the Central America Free Trade Agreement, attended and delivered remarks at the ceremonial signing of the Central America Free Trade Agreement.  U.S. Trade Ambassador Robert Zoellick signed on behalf of the United States and trade ministers from Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua signed on behalf of their nations.  Government officials from the Dominican Republic attended the event as observers, and are expected to sign the agreement later this summer. 

"America's prosperity depends upon finding new customers to buy our products.  This free trade agreement is a three for one win for the United States.  It opens a major growing market to American goods and services," said Brady.  "It strengthens a proven partnership to compete better against China in the future, and it also locks in significant democratic, labor and environmental reforms that Central America has initiated in the past decade to their immense credit.

"The bottom line is that this agreement is good for America's  farmers, manufacturing workers, technology professionals and our growing service workforce. 

"When the Central America Free Trade Agreement comes before Congress, I am confident that it will have the votes to pass because America needs more customers and the jobs that this agreement offers," said Brady, a member of the Ways & Means Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives

The free trade agreement negotiated between these nations and the United States comes after a tightly scheduled year of ambitious trade talks in Washington, Houston, and several other domestic and international cities.

Central America is a proven trading partner. With a population equal to Canada, Central America already buys more U.S. goods than Russia, India and Indonesia combined. Over the years, according to the American Chamber of Commerce in Central America, for every dollar in products Central America sells to the United States, it buys back $1.36.

"We need more trading partners like Central America, especially in today's competitive global market. This accord balances the interests of six unique countries and economies - for America the first of its kind to tie so many partnering nations into one strong marketplace," Brady concluded.

The agreement will be an economic boost to Texas and the Houston region, says Brady. Texas is the largest and fastest growing export state in America, and Houston already has over 1,200 area companies with established trade ties to Central America's growing market. More than $611 million in Central American cargo moves through the Port of Houston each year, and another $49 million in air cargo trade.                   

Congressman Brady, a deputy whip, has been charged with gathering Congressional support for the proposal since the President announced his intention to explore a FTA with Central America in January 2002.  Today's action is one of many steps required for approving all free trade agreements.  The next step involves an exhaustive assessment of the agreement by the U.S. International Trade Commission and the consideration of implementing legislation by the Congress.  The agreement will become law once Congress approves the measure with a majority vote, forwarding it on to the President for his signature.