Baucus headed to Colombia, Brazil for trade talks

There, he will discuss the pending free trade agreement between the United States and Colombia with senior governmental officials. He has long supported the proposed agreement, arguing it would grant American exporters the same duty-free access to Colombia’s market that Colombians enjoy in America.

After touring some areas impacted by recent flooding in Colombia, Baucus will head to Brazil, where he will discuss the World Trade Organization’s Doha negotiations, a long-running series of negotiations aimed at liberalizing trade and providing developing nations better access to global markets.

“Colombia and Brazil are strategically important trading partners for the United States,” said Baucus in a statement. “Finalizing our free trade agreement with Colombia and working with Brazil to conclude the Doha Round of trade negotiations will level the playing field for American exporters and create huge opportunities for U.S. agriculture, manufacturing and services.  We have delayed action on the Colombia free trade agreement for too long – now is the time to resolve outstanding issues and approve the free trade agreement so American ranchers, farmers and workers can have a chance to compete.”

Baucus will be joined on the trip by Montanan agricultural and business officials.