Ambassador Eaton's Message on the Signing of the Trade Promotion Agreement

Today is a great day for the United States and Panama.

The TPA is our most significant agreement with Panama since the 1977 Canal treaties. The U.S. & Panama have long enjoyed a solid partnership to enhance security, fight crime, and promote trade in the region. The TPA is a natural extension of our century-long friendship.

The TPA offers a vital tool for a strategically important partner to create jobs, reduce poverty, improve income distribution, and solidify democracy. By giving U.S. firms & investors added confidence that they will be treated fairly and transparently in Panama, the TPA should boost private investment, thereby creating more job opportunities, both in the U.S. and Panama.

Cutting barriers to trade and spurring investment will benefit American and Panamanian consumers, producers, workers, and investors. I hope to see the TPA ratified and implemented promptly so that citizens of both countries might enjoy the fruits of increased growth and development.