Statement by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on the U.S. House of Representatives Passage of the Peru Trade Promotion Agreement

WASHINGTON—I am very pleased by the House of Representatives’ strong bipartisan approval of the Peru Trade Promotion Agreement. The Peru Trade Promotion Agreement’s mutual benefits are clear. It benefits U.S. workers and farmers by giving our products the same treatment in Peru that Peru’s exports enjoy in the United States. It helps Peru alleviate poverty by creating jobs and economic opportunities, sharing with the people of Peru the benefits of their democracy and open markets. Through the benefits of two-way trade, this agreement will reinforce the foundation of our deep and strong relationship. The House of Representatives’ strong vote for this agreement demonstrates that the United States remains an active and committed partner in the hemisphere.

I look forward to a Senate vote in the near future, and urge Congress to approve the pending trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea.