Embassy of Ecuador "KEEP TRADE GOING" Campaign Launches Call-to-Action to Protect Ecuador-U.S Trade

[Zorro]

In an effort to alert business owners—large and small—, consumers and lawmakers that key, two decades old, U.S. trade programs are about to expire without action by the U.S. Congress, the Embassy of Ecuador's Keep Trade Going (KTG) campaign has launched KeepTradeGoing.com, an interactive website, letter-writing, and petition drive aimed at encouraging action before it's too late.

The KTG campaign, an initiative of the Embassy of Ecuador in Washington, D.C., was launched to promote the Ecuador-U.S. trade relationship, which supports thousands of jobs and economic growth and promotes opportunity for advancement and security on both sides of the equator. Visitors to the new website now have a one-stop shop where they can learn about the history and importance of U.S.-Ecuador trade, follow the KTG campaign activities and learn how they can support this effort.

Keep Trade Going seeks to promote the continuation of trade programs such as the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (APTA/ATPDEA) and the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences Program (GSP) which have proven to be effective tools to foster economic growth and promote security in both countries. But, these programs are set to expire on July 31, 2013.

Duty-free access to high quality Ecuadorian products that are produced with the highest level of social and environmental standards—such as fresh cut roses, tuna, broccoli, and mangoes—has provided a competitive edge to thousands of American businesses, the benefits of which are passed on to U.S. consumers. This commerce generates jobs along the entire production chain—from American airlines, to retailers, to restaurants, as well as Ecuadorian farmers, many of which are women heads of households. Thousands of American and Ecuadorian jobs rely on U.S.-Ecuador trade.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/embassy-ecuadors-keep-trade-going-020000982.html

Ecuador should be planning for the expiration of these trade programs.

[Bacchus4.0]

1. Evo and Nicolas aren't gonna be happy about this

Looks like Ecuador has made its mind up about trade preferences with the US. I imagine the US may extend it but I find it doubtful that a more long term agreement would be renewed just with one country. I assume Ecuador is going to try and join the Pacific Alliance. Poor ALBA.

[Socialistlemur]

2. I'd let then stew for a while

I'd let the deal expire if I were the USA. Mangoes are rich people food anyway. Mr Correa likes to pal with the Alba group, right? He can sell his mangoes to Bolivia.