The Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA)

Essay by Bishop22University, Bachelor's June 2005

download word file, 12 pages 4.0

The Free Trade Area of the Americas, which was proposed to be completed by January 01, 2005, would be the world's largest free trade zone. This American-led western hemisphere proposal would encompass 34 nations and 800 million people. The agreement is based on the NAFTA and covers such issues as Institutional Issues, Transparency, Environment Provisions, Labor Provisions, Tariffs and Non-Tariff Measures, and Investment as well as others. The details of the agreement may be viewed at http://www.ftaa-alca.org/. The purpose of this paper is not to identify the issues contained in the FTAA agreement, but rather to identify some of the major stakeholders and their views throughout the progress of negotiations.

U.S.A.

The United States of America is fighting to maintain its superpower status, and the FTAA is a milestone in its continuous battle for power. Several different groups have varied opinions of the FTAA. These groups consist of the American politicians, U.S.

business, and the general public.

American Political View

Bush's supporters view the FTAA as a "powerful tool for improving America's relations with Latin leaders." However, many negative sentiments have emerged from powerful lobbyists and political groups. Democrats and labor officials both believe the FTAA would "encourage U.S. firms to relocate to places with less stringent laws, endangering American jobs and the environment." Given the case of NAFTA, there may be reason to worry.

Despite resistance, which the Bush administration sees as futile, the U.S. is proceeding. The message at the U.S. Trade Representative's Office in November of last year was a clear commitment to moving forward with the FTAA, though at a slower pace: "Their plan is to continue negotiating a global free-trade agreement through the World Trade Organization, while creating pressure for the FTAA by knocking off smaller, bilateral agreements. One with Chile is done. A...