Contact: Nate Herman
Phone: 703-797-9062
Email: nate@travel-goods.org

TGA Applauds Senate Passage of U.S./Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement

Princeton, NJ — 1 July 2005 — Travel Goods Association President Michele Marini Pittenger applauded last night's action by the U.S. Senate, approving by a vote of 54-45 the U.S./Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). "Many TGA members have important trade relationships with Central America and the Dominican Republic," noted Pittenger. "CAFTA is a win-win for the U.S. travel goods industry, the region and, most importantly, the American consumer." Pittenger continued, "On behalf of the U.S. travel goods industry, I wish to express my gratitude to the courageous Senators who voted "Yes" on this critical agreement. These Senators recognized that a vote for CAFTA was not only a vote for American workers and American consumers, but also a symbol of the United States' continued commitment to our neighbors' economic development and support for the region's fledgling democracies. We hope the House quickly follows the Senate's lead by passing CAFTA as soon as possible."

CAFTA, in the first agreement of its kind, makes all U.S. travel goods (both textile and non-textile) exports to and imports from Central America and the Dominican Republic duty-free immediately under very flexible rules of origin. Pittenger concluded, "CAFTA enables the region to compete with Asia and other regions of the world on a level playing field. As a result, CAFTA not only helps our industry, but also benefits the hardworking U.S. families who buy our products."

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The Travel Goods Association is the voice of the U.S. travel goods industry. A national trade association, TGA represents the manufacturers, distributors and retailers of luggage, leather goods, business and travel accessories, business and computer cases, handbags and other products for people who travel.