There was a lot of action this week on the trade front, and the U.S. Chamber was right in the thick of it.  The week kicked off with the Chamber leading a grassroots mission to Central Florida with Korean Ambassador Han Duk-soo, Congressman Dan Webster, and an array of local businesses.  The effort culminated with the Ambassador giving a powerful speech calling for their support of the Korea FTA at Florida’s International Day. 

Later in the week, Caterpillar Chairman and CEO Douglas Oberhelman spoke at the Chamber’s Capital Markets Summit and urged action on trade, highlighting the impact of the stalled trade deals with Colombia and Panama on his company.   He followed that strong call to action in testimony before the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee saying:

“I trust that the time for avoiding eye contact on tough issues and coming up with excuses for inaction is over. We need to work together to improve U.S. competitiveness, open foreign markets and create U.S. jobs. If we succeed, accountability is a concept we will all embrace…”

Finally, the U.S. Department of Commerce produced a video about how a major contract in Panama’s canal expansion saved a Chicago company hammered by the recession.

It has been a good week for advocates for trade, but next week will be very important as well. The House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee will hold a hearing on Thursday on the Korea FTA, and  the Colombians are optimistic about a deal.  Onward and upward.