American Frozen Food Institute Urges Quick Congressional Passage of South Korea, Panama, Colombia Trade Pacts

MCLEAN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) President and CEO Kraig R. Naasz issued the following statement urging the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate to quickly approve pending free trade agreements with South Korea, Panama and Colombia that were today sent by the White House to Congress for final passage.

“These agreements represent real opportunities to significantly boost U.S. frozen food exports to fast-growing consumer markets, offering important new economic opportunities and the chance to level the playing field with our major international economic competitors. These agreements with South Korea, Panama and Colombia will provide a much-needed boost to the American economy. AFFI calls on Congress to approve these pacts without delay and urges the administration to implement them as soon as possible.

In addition, AFFI urges Congress to approve legislation reviving the now expired Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and Andean Trade Preferences Act (ATPA) programs. Extending these programs will immediately boost the economic competitiveness of American businesses that rely on the ready supply of globally-sourced inputs made possible by GSP and ATPA tariff exemptions, while spurring economic activity in developing nations.”

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.org.