Colombian Flower Exporters have welcomed the end of procedures to establish a Free Trade Agreement between Colombia and the US.

The Colombian Association of Flower Exporters, Asocolflores, said the agreement would enable Colombian exporters to continue to supply the US with high-quality and diverse flowers, amounting to 170,000 tonnes, or $680 million, of exports.

Asocoflores said exporters supported the FTA and the many positive benefits it will have on the national economy and Colombian floriculture, which provides nearly 200,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The association said it was particularly pleased with the incorporation of the tariff preferences for flowers provided under the ATPDEA (Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act).

“With this great achievement, Colombia floriculture will not only consolidate its access to the US market, but will also have better conditions to compete, at the same level, with other flower suppliers,” said a spokeswoman for Asocoflores.

“This agreement is an excellent opportunity to consolidate the Florverde programme that successfully supports social and environmental responsibility in the flower industry and demonstrates the 10 years of commitment from Colombian flower growers for the well-being of their workers and to protect and sustain the natural resources of Colombia,” she added.

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