WASHINGTON, May 12 (UPI) -- President Bush prodded Congress Thursday to pass a free trade agreement with Central American nations to open markets and strengthen the region's democracies.
The Central American Free Trade Agreement was signed by Bush last May but faces strong opposition on Capitol Hill from lawmakers from states with industries fearing cheaper Central American imports. Labor and other advocacy groups also oppose the pact.
"CAFTA brings benefits to all sides," Bush said. "For the newly emerging democracies of Central America, CAFTA would bring new investment that means good jobs and higher labor standards.
"For American farmers, businesses and workers, CAFTA would create a more level playing field. Under existing rules, most of Central America's exports already enter the United States duty free. But our products still face hefty tariffs there."
Bush made his remarks in the White House Rose Garden, flanked by the leaders of Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua.
Bush met with the six earlier to discuss the pact and other issues.
