Legislation Calls For Expanded Trade To Help Haiti

[The Straight Story]

Legislation Calls For Expanded Trade To Help Haiti

U.S. textile and apparel manufacturers will play a key role in helping Haiti's recovery from the January earthquake that shattered that nation's economy under legislation that has been introduced in both the House and Senate providing for extended and expanded trade preference programs covering textile and apparel trade. Because the legislation was introduced by the chairmen and ranking members of the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees, it likely will receive quick consideration and enactment.

The legislation, called the Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP), extends the expiration date for two existing trade preference programs and expands their coverage for duty-free entry of apparel. U.S. importers of apparel have strongly endorsed the legislation, and textile makers will not oppose it, although they have some lingering concerns over the legislation's impact on U.S. jobs.

Ways and Means Committee Chairman Sander Levin, D-Mich., said: "This legislation provides important incentives to expand trade and investment in Haiti, and it does so in a manner respectful of the complementarities of the industries of our two countries. It reflects careful consideration and collaboration with stakeholders here in the United States as well as Haitian industry representatives and provides a way forward that works to the benefit of workers and businesses in both countries."

Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, also underscored the need to protect the interests of both nations, saying "the legislation will spur investment and create jobs in Haiti, and at the same time the legislation addresses the concerns that have been expressed by the U.S. textile industry with respect to both domestic and regional production of textiles and apparel."

http://www.textileworld.com/Articles/2010/May/Washington_Outlook_Legislation_Calls_For_Expanded_Trade_To_Help_Haiti.html