The Final State of the Union
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Summary:
In Colombia, President Obama announces that the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement will enter into force on May 15th
President Barack Obama arrives at the Julio Cesar Turbay Ayala Convention Center for the Summit of the Americas in Cartagena, Columbia, April 14, 2012. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)
This weekend, President Obama was in Colombia for the sixth annual Summit of the Americas.
The nations involved in this conference are some of our closest allies -- and some of our strongest economic partners.
Approximately 42 percent of U.S. exports are sent to countries in the Western Hemisphere, an amount that has increased by more than $200 billion since 2009.
That's why it's fitting that President Obama was able to announce that the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement will enter into force on May 15th. Speaking with Colombian President Santos, he said:
[This] agreement is a win for both our countries. It's a win for the United States by increasing our exports by more than $1 billion, supporting thousands of U.S. jobs and helping to achieve my goal of doubling U.S. exports. It's a win for Colombia by giving you even greater access to the largest market for your exports -- the United States of America. And I'd add that this agreement is a win for our workers and the environment because of the strong protections it has for both -- commitments we are going to fulfill.
To learn more about this weekend's Summit, check out the fact sheet or read the President's remarks to leaders at the opening plenary session.
