FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 6, 2007

TIA Joins President Bush in Support of Free Trade Agreements

FTAs with Korea, Latin America Will Spur Growth, Create Long-Term Employment.

Arlington, Va. - The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) urged Congress to approve the four free trade agreements (FTAs) currently under consideration, echoing calls by President Bush at today's White House Forum on International Trade and Investment. TIA has long supported the FTAs as essential to obtaining equal access for U.S. companies in large, growing foreign markets, lifting Latin American citizens out of poverty while maintaining U.S. jobs, strengthening democratic institutions abroad and leveling the playing field for U.S. manufacturers. TIA President Grant Seiffert, a Forum attendee, seconded President Bush's words today in calling the pending agreement with Korea a major growth opportunity for the U.S. economy and the Latin American FTAs significant for establishing open, transparent institutions in a strategically important region of the world.

The House Ways and Means Committee recently passed H.R. 3688, the U.S.-Peru FTA, unanimously to the House floor, where it awaits a full vote. TIA applauds the Committee and urges the House to give this landmark FTA the full vote it deserves. Not only Peru but all four FTAs should get a speedy vote and passage as they are essential to our nation's continued economic strength in the international marketplace.

"These agreements would finally give U.S. companies what Latin American and Korean companies have enjoyed for some time � unfettered access," said Seiffert, a Forum attendee. "Not only do they finally grant equal opportunity to U.S. manufacturers, they present a unique opportunity to use investment and commerce to drive human rights and democracy while furthering U.S. foreign policy, especially in Latin America."

For more information about TIA's free trade advocacy, please contact Ian Martinez at 703.907.7723 or imartinez@tiaonline.org.

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About TIA
For almost three decades, TIA has leveraged its global resources to create the best possible business environment within which our 500+ members can research, develop, manufacture, market and sell their products and services worldwide. The association accomplishes this through its expertise in standards, advocacy, business development, market intelligence, environmental compliance and information security. TIA is committed to expanding market opportunities while protecting and enhancing the reputation of the global communications industry with all its stakeholders. For more information, go to www.tiaonline.org.