Portman Says Bahrain Trade Deal At Hand, Others Possible.

This article reports that U.S. Trade Representative John Portman reported to key members of the U.S. Congress today that the final barriers to the free trade agreement (FTA) with Bahrain are being ironed out and that the deal should be ready for congressional consideration this year. Portman also told lawmakers that South Korea, Egypt, Malaysia and Switzerland all have approached the United States about the possibility of launching bilateral trade talks. The FTA between the United States and Bahrain was signed a year ago and following extensive consultations between the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and Capitol Hill, supporters hope to put the agreement before the House and Senate this fall.