U.S. President George W. Bush signed another (free) trade deal with South American countries on Thursday. The deal is not new, but merely a one-year extension of an earlier treaty known as the Andean Trade Preference Act.

“We want there to be a prosperous neighborhood. It’s in the interests of the United States that prosperity spreads throughout our neighborhood,” Bush said at the White House.

US President George W. Bush signs the Andean Trade Preference Act Extension in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building adjacent to the White House in Washington, DC. Image: AFP

The act implements trade preferences for Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia and Peru.

Bush used the opportunity to once again appeal for more, and full, free trade agreements with those countries; months ago, Democrats in Congress did everything in their power from preventing such a deal from passing. Their rhetoric could rightfully be labeled anti-free trade.

Ironically, Democrats often say they are in favor of helping the poor, and working with other countries, but seem to oppose plans nowadays that would help those countries help themselves. In the end, research shows that free trade is benificial for all involved.
“Congress is coming back to Washington next month. One of their top priorities should be to approve this vital agreement with Colombia — as well as with Panama and South Korea. These free trade agreements will strengthen our relationships with key allies,” Bush said.

Bush also warned Bolivia that he would seek to put a freeze to trade agreements with the country, until and unless it would finally act against its drug industry.