WASHINGTON — In an effort to alert business owners—large and small—, consumers and lawmakers that key, two decades old, U.S. trade programs are about to expire without action by the U.S. Congress, the Embassy of Ecuador's Keep Trade Going (KTG) campaign has launched KeepTradeGoing.com, an interactive website, letter-writing, and petition drive aimed at encouraging action before it's too late.
The KTG campaign, an initiative of the Embassy of Ecuador in Washington, D.C., was launched to promote the Ecuador-U.S. trade relationship, which supports thousands of jobs and economic growth and promotes opportunity for advancement and security on both sides of the equator. Visitors to the new website now have a one-stop shop where they can learn about the history and importance of U.S.-Ecuador trade, follow the KTG campaign activities and learn how they can support this effort.
Keep Trade Going seeks to promote the continuation of trade programs such as the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (APTA/ATPDEA) and the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences Program (GSP) which have proven to be effective tools to foster economic growth and promote security in both countries. But, these programs are set to expire on July 31, 2013.
Duty-free access to high quality Ecuadorian products that are produced with the highest level of social and environmental standards—such as fresh cut roses, tuna, broccoli, and mangoes—has provided a competitive edge to thousands of American businesses, the benefits of which are passed on to U.S. consumers. This commerce generates jobs along the entire production chain—from American airlines, to retailers, to restaurants, as well as Ecuadorian farmers, many of which are women heads of households. Thousands of American and Ecuadorian jobs rely on U.S.-Ecuador trade.
These programs have also promoted key industries in Ecuador that provide wholesome economic alternatives to drug trafficking and related crimes for thousands of workers in Ecuador—many of them women heads of households—and have helped Ecuador maintain its status as a country virtually free of drug production.
"This campaign is extremely important because these trade preference programs that are set to expire have proven to be cost-effective and sustainable in providing job opportunities in very vulnerable areas in Ecuador, and creating thousands of jobs not only in Ecuador but also in the U.S.," explained Ecuador's Ambassador to the United States, Nathalie Cely. "KeepTradeGoing.com serves as a forum for educating, encouraging action, and stimulating a very important conversation: ways that Ecuador and the U.S. can further develop our trade relationships for the economic and security benefits of both countries."
Visitors to the website can make their voice heard in this vital conversation by signing a petition and sending letters of support to Members of Congress. Numerous videos, infographics, photos and testimonials from those affected in both countries – from Ecuadorian farmers to the owners of U.S. flower shops – are being added daily to the website. Active engagement on social media, including Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube are also extending the campaign's viral reach.
Please visit www.keeptradegoing.com to find out more about the "Keep Trade Going" campaign. You can also follow the campaign on Twitter at @KeepTradeGoing or Facebook at facebook.com/keeptradegoing.
Darienne Gutierrez | 347-268-4131
Source: Embassy of Ecuador in Washington, D.C.