National, state, and local chambers join Buffalo business calling for approval of the USMCA
Buffalo, NY – The Business Council of New York State Inc., on Wednesday, joined the US Chamber, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership and Rigidized Metals Corporation, to call on the passage of the proposed USMCA trade agreement.
The proposed agreement still needs approval from Congress.
The USMCA is the negotiated agreement, meant to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), that has broad support from business interests across a wide range of sectors including – manufacturing, agriculture, technology, services and financial – from all regions of New York State.
“Twelve million American jobs depend on trade with our North American neighbors, including nearly 800,000 jobs in the great state of New York,” said Tom Donohue, CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “USMCA is a modern, bipartisan trade deal that will benefit local communities like Buffalo by ensuring farmers, manufactures, and service providers continue to have access to the Canadian and Mexican markets.”
“After speaking with the members, we serve and with representatives from both governments of Canada and Mexico, it became clear this proposed deal is impactful to the nation and our state”, said Heather Briccetti, President & CEO of The Business Council of New York State. “An open trade policy of importing and exporting goods and services with both nations is crucial for New York businesses to not only maintain their bottom line but grow and expand their business.”
“As the regional chamber of commerce, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership is joining the call for Congress to ratify the USMCA because we support free and balanced trade policies that strengthen our bi-national economy with Canada,” said Dottie Gallagher, President & CEO of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership. “Many of our region’s opportunities for growth are directly tied to Southern Ontario and the passage of the USMCA is essential to securing and building upon our vital trade relationship with Canada, as well as providing clarity and certainty for Buffalo Niagara employers conducting business throughout North America.”
Last month The Business Council sent a letter to New York State’s congressional delegation, congressional and senate leaders, and the President urging a timely passage of the agreement. More than 50 businesses and organizations, including the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, signed the letter in support.