Deputy Secretary Zoellick (CAFTA-DR)

Deputy Secretary Zoellick To Speak on U.S.-Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement

Deputy Secretary of State Robert B. Zoellick will deliver a speech on the U.S.-Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) at noon, Monday, May 16 at the Heritage Foundation in Washington, DC.

Entitled “From Crisis to Commerce: CAFTA and Democracy in our Neighborhood,” Deputy Secretary Zoellick's speech will look back two decades to when Central America was enveloped in violence and civil war, and the United States was helping people in the region establish democratic governments. Now, after 20 years of democratic reform, six nations are seeking to sign a free trade agreement with the United States. The Deputy Secretary will discuss how CAFTA-DR will promote economic growth, rising incomes, and freedom in a region of strategic interest to the United States.

Members of the press wishing to cover Deputy Secretary Zoellick’s speech should contact Chris Kennedy at the Heritage Foundation at (202) 675-1761. The Heritage Foundation is located at 214 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Washington, DC.

SOURCE: state.gov 2005/506 Released on May 12, 2005 Notice to the Press Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC May 12, 2005