http://www.hpj.com/dtnnewstable.cfm?typ ... &sid=14301

OMAHA (DTN) -- Passage of the Central American and Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) is one of the top U.S. trade priorities, President Bush says, usinfo.state.gov reported.

In May 17 in remarks at the ceremonial swearing in of U.S. Trade Representative Robert Portman, Bush listed other priorities as completing World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations and enforcing trade agreements, citing specifically commitments by China.

The president urged Congress to pass CAFTA-DR, which he said would not only make the Western Hemisphere more competitive with Asia but also would strengthen democracy in the region, as well as open additional markets and lower trade barriers in key industries like textiles for U.S. businesses and farmers.

"This would put CAFTA countries and America in a better position to compete with low-cost producers in Asia," he said. Portman said that if the United States rejects the agreement "we are taking away opportunities for our workers, and we are turning our backs on good neighbors who need our help."

On the WTO negotiations, formally called the Doha Development Agenda, the president said an agreement would reduce tariffs in key industry sectors, lower unfair agricultural subsidies and open the global market in services.