U.S. trade agreements on fast track

Reports that President Barack Obama may send free trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama to Congress for consideration this week will be fully embraced by the logistics community.

According to Dan Gardner, Chief Executive Officer, RF International & Ocean World Lines Inc., such a move is long overdue.

“The weak dollar has been a tremendous advantage for U.S. exporters,” said Gardner in an interview. “And it demonstrates just how much the world wants Amercian products when they become affordable. Having new markets open up for them now could not be better timed.”

The time is good for RF International & Ocean World Lines as well, as it prepares to stage its 2012 Global Trade Symposium in Miami next January.

Through a variety of presentations and panel discussions a distinguished group of senior logistics professionals, carrier executives, government officials, journalists and academics will provide insights into early market indicators for U.S. ocean trade in 2012.

“With an emphasis on shared learning experiences, the dissemination of best-practices and networking, this invitation-only event offers a unique opportunity to gain a comprehensive perspective on the trade patterns that are likely to unfold in the coming year,” said Gardner.

Meanwhile, however, the main focus is on getting new trade agreements inked, he added.

“The layers of compliance complexity will be intense, said Gardner, but the work we are doing to make this happen is well worth it. We see a lot of market opportunities it this hemisphere with Panama and Columbia as real game changers. Our nation’s relationship with Korea has always been strong, of course.”