RAMSTAD LAUNCHES FRIENDS OF THAILAND CAUCUS; PRAISES ADMINISTRATION'S FREE TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WITH THAILAND

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Jim Ramstad (R-MN), a member of the Trade Subcommittee, announced today the formation of the bipartisan Friends of Thailand Caucus and praised the U.S. Trade Representative for sending a letter of intent to launch FTA negotiations with Thailand. 

“Reducing trade barriers with this key ally will go a long way toward increasing market access for American farmers, manufacturers and service providers,” said Ramstad, who noted that Thailand already is our 18th largest trading partner, with $19.7 billion in total trade between the two countries during 2002. 

“I applaud the Administration for sending Congress a letter of intent to negotiate a Free Trade Agreement with Thailand,” said Ramstad.

“I am pleased to launch the Friends of Thailand Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives,” said Ramstad, who will co-chair the caucus with Rep. William Jefferson (D-LA).

“The creation of the Friends of Thailand Caucus is aimed at further promoting the growing relationship between the U.S. and Thailand, and while the Caucus will work to strengthen our ties in all its facets, it’s current top priority is supporting the U.S.-Thailand Free Trade Agreement,” said Ramstad.

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