Bush urges Congress to approve free trade agreements with Panama
(Xinhua) -- U.S. President George W. Bush said Wednesday the Democrats-controlled Congress should quickly pass the free trade agreements the United States signed with Colombia, Panama and South Korea.
"It's important that these agreements be passed as soon as possible," Bush said while meeting with leaders from the Western Hemisphere.
"It's important for the American people to understand that exports benefit workers. Half of our growth last year was the result of trade. And therefore, it's in our interest to continue to open up markets," Bush said.
The United States has signed free trade agreements with 12 nations in the hemisphere that represent two-thirds of the region's gross domestic product.
The Bush administration has repeatedly urged the Congress to pass the free trade agreements with Colombia and Panama.
