CEA Praises House Passage of CAFTA-DR; Trade Agreement Will Help Fuel Future Growth of Critical Consumer Technology Sector.

ARLINGTON, Va. -- The following statement was issued today by Consumer Electronics Association President and CEO Gary Shapiro praising the House of Representatives for approving the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) last night:

"The consumer electronics industry congratulates the House of Representatives for approving the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). With this vote, the House has taken a critical step toward knocking down the walls limiting free trade in this hemisphere. Congress has shown once again that it understands that liberalized trade rules mean benefits to the U.S. in the form of lower prices for consumers and expanded markets for our producers.

"CAFTA-DR sets an important precedent for trade liberalization in the consumer electronics sector and its provisions have great importance to our industry. In particular, the duty drawback language - which allows U.S. companies to reclaim the cost of duties on imports of materials from third world countries when such products are subsequently exported - places U.S. companies on a level playing field with companies in Europe and Asia that have negotiated similar Free Trade Agreements that retain drawback.

"While the Central American nations that are parties to the Agreement have long enjoyed liberal trade access to the United States, U.S. exporters of goods will now enjoy the same access to a market of more than 34 million people in the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and El Salvador. Opening these markets provides exciting new opportunities for further growth within the U.S. consumer technology industry.

"We will work to build on the many positive provisions of CAFTA-DR in future free trade agreements as we continue to move toward the ultimate goal of free trade within the entire Western Hemisphere, from Prudhoe Bay to Tierra del Fuego."

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,000 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $121 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry.

CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Tomorrow's Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.

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