President Obama Calls on Congress to Pass Cantwell's Bill to Protect National Security and Increase Economic Development in Afghanistan and Pakistan

Statement

President Obama Calls on Congress to Pass Cantwell's Bill to Protect National Security and Increase Economic Development in Afghanistan and Pakistan

Today, in a speech to unveil his plan to address violence in Afghanistan, President Barack Obama called on Congress to pass a bipartisan bill sponsored by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) to create Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs) in Pakistan's frontier area with Afghanistan, as well as inside Afghanistan. These ROZs would permit non-trade sensitive exports from these areas to enter the U.S. duty-free, creating a strong incentive for private sector investment and job creation. The bill is co-sponsored by Senators Orrin Hatch(R-UT), Robert Casey (D-PA), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). Representatives Chris Van Hollen (D-MD-8) and Pete Hoekstra (R-MI-2) have introduced companion legislation to Cantwell's bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.

"The situation in the border region of Pakistan and Afghanistan is increasingly dangerous," said Senator Cantwell. "We've seen in the past that extreme poverty can breed extremism; it knows no borders and knows no nationality. Creating economic opportunities for people to succeed in these areas will not only improve the lives of both men and women, it will also help to stabilize these countries and benefit our national security interests. I look forward to continuing the dialogue with President Obama and my fellow members of Congress to ensure that we work to increase economic development while curbing extremism and narco-trafficking in Afghanistan and Pakistan."

Under Cantwell's bill, in order for an area to be designated as a ROZ so that goods may qualify for benefits, the President must determine that Pakistan or Afghanistan have established, or are making continual progress towards establishing:

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A market-based economy;
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The rule of law;
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The elimination of barriers to U.S. trade and investment;
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The protection of intellectual property;
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Efforts to combat corruption;
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Policies to reduce poverty;
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Policies increasing availability of health care and educational opportunities; and
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The protection of human rights and internationally recognized workers rights.

Cantwell believes that the ROZs should become part of a long-term international strategy to promote sustainable economic development in the region.

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