Colombia puts trade benefits on Web

   With the implementation of the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement, the Embassy of Colombia in Washington launched an updated version of its Website to highlight the country’s history, culture, and past business and alliances with the United States.
   Colombian Amb. Gabriel Silva said the goal was to make information more accessible, including a focus on U.S.-Colombia relations and trade opportunities.
   The United States is Colombia’s largest trading partner, and Colombia is the United States’ third-largest export market in Latin America behind Mexico and Brazil. Under the FTA, more than 80 percent of U.S. exports for consumer and industrial products to Colombia will be duty-free.
   Colombian goods exports to the U.S. in 2011 accounted for $21.7 billion, and according to the U.S. International Trade Commission, the FTA will increase U.S. gross domestic product by nearly $2.5 billion while boosting U.S. merchandise exports by $1.1 billion.
   The Website, which offers content in both Spanish and English, also has sections that highlight the bilateral trade between the countries, including documents pertaining to the expected economic benefits of the FTA in specific industries and related regulations.