Bush signs US-Oman trade pact

0 Comments | AFP, September, 2006

WASHINGTON (AFP) — US President George W. Bush signed the US-Oman Free Trade Agreement, the fifth such extensive trade pact with a Middle Eastern country since he took office. US Trade Representative Susan Schwab said in a statement that the accord was "good news for the United States, Oman, and our efforts to promote economic opportunity in the Middle East." "The agreement also marks a milestone in strengthening ties and promoting freedom in the Middle East," she said after Bush signed the accord into law.

The FTA with Oman is part of an effort by Washington to create a Middle East Free Trade Area (MEFTA) by 2013, building on existing agreements with Israel, Jordan, Morocco and Bahrain. Bush has said he wants greater trade with the Middle East not just for the commercial...