Trade Rep happy with Guatemala

Trade Rep happy with Guatemala U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab says she is pleased the U.S. and Guatemala have completed all the work needed to make Guatemala an active participant in the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) as of July 1.
   “We have worked closely and intensively with all six CAFTA-DR countries to ensure they meet the obligations and responsibilities under the agreement. Our constructive engagement has had positive results and we're pleased that Guatemala is now ready to join El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua in full implementation of this agreement,' she said. 'I greatly appreciate the sincere and diligent effort by Guatemala to adopt the necessary regulatory and legislative framework under CAFTA-DR.'
   The U.S., Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua signed the CAFTA-DR in August 2004. All but Costa Rica have ratified the agreement.
   El Salvador completed the steps for CAFTA-DR implementation on March 1, while the agreement took effect for Honduras and Nicaragua on April 1.
   Schwab said the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative would continue to work with the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica to assure all signatories are able to implement the agreement.