Bush authorizes Haiti trade preferences

Bush authorizes Haiti trade preferences President Bush Monday authorized the highly anticipated Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act, which increases trade preferences for apparel manufactured.
   Bush signed a proclamation authorizing the HOPE Act, part of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, which brings Haiti onto equal footing with members of the African Growth and Opportunity Act. Haiti is now eligible for duty-free moves of specified apparel items. The bill also applies to wire harness automotive components assembled in Haiti.
   The new Haiti trade rules have been pushed by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and have been supported by key Democratic members of Congress.