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TechNet supports expanded trade and nondiscriminatory access to overseas markets by advocating for the development and enactment of trade agreements between the US and other countries; and by supporting strengthened public diplomacy and international relations through technology-based initiatives.

TechNet commends Congress and the Administration for their support of the Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). The CAFTA-DR will expand markets and create export opportunities for U.S. technology products and services that are essential to the continued global leadership of America’s technology industries. Following enactment of CAFTA, TechNet is continuing to work in support of a strong, bipartisan base of support for bilateral and multilateral trade initiatives that facilitate expansion of markets for US-based high tech products.

Our continued global competitiveness depends on our ability to expand open markets and opportunities for trade that benefits our economy, workers, consumers and industries. On average, over 60 percent of U.S. technology industry revenues are derived from outside the United States. Across industries, a positive U.S. trade agenda that is opening markets, including the emerging markets of the developing world, is critical.

Specifically, TechNet supports:

• Continued efforts to pursue a free-trade agenda, including moving forward with our WTO goals;
• Pursuit of additional bilateral and regional free trade agreements, opening new markets to U.S. products and services;
• Clearing hurdles that will allow U.S. companies and products to compete effectively around the world;
• Efforts to safeguard intellectual property through trademark, copyright and patent protections backed by strong enforcement provisions; and
• Technology-based initiatives to strengthen public diplomacy and international relations.

The CAFTA-DR is an important precedent confirming the U.S. commitment to building strong alliances with our neighbors in the Western Hemisphere and developing nations around the world. We must continue to build on this success with expanded trade initiatives that will enhance U.S. global leadership.

Other Resources:

For more information about the benefits of the CAFTA-DR, visit the Business Coalition for U.S.-Central America Trade website at www.uscafta.org.