Although the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) has been delayed, there is considerable interest within the US and its hemispheric trading partners to form an alliance that will serve as an interim partnership of the 13 countries that have bilateral agreements with the US.  The response has been the Pathways to Prosperity initiative which will become a forum at which nations can talk about other issues important to trade, such as health, education, the environment and labor practices.  The initiative will also link trade and development and ensure that the benefits of trade and economic growth reach the poorest and most vulnerable. 

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
San Salvador, El Salvador
May 31, 2009

Thank you. I am delighted to be with you today and I feel privileged to be in El Salvador at this historic moment for the Salvadoran people. The transfer of power that we will witness tomorrow exemplifies the progress that has occurred throughout our hemisphere during the past two decades. This gathering – which is being co-hosted by two parties who were once at war – is hard evidence of the strength and durability of democracy and the promise it holds not only for this country, but for our region.

Gateway Florida has been very active this past year. To learn more about events we've participated in, such as the 2nd Annual International Award Ceremony and the "America Wins with Free Trade" Bus Tour , please check out our events section.