Making Trade Work Today

The April 9 Business article "Don't Blame NAFTA for Downturn, Many Economists Say" quoted politicians, economists and labor representatives but not a single manufacturer -- those at the heart of this wrenching debate.

Nearly half of North American manufacturers believe the North American Free Trade Agreement has helped their overall business performance, and 41 percent say it had no impact on their companies, according to a recent survey by the National Association of Manufacturers and Deloitte.

As lawmakers and presidential candidates address future trade deals and the economic concerns of America's working families, let's remember that competitive companies engaged in trade create more jobs and pay higher wages than those sitting on the sidelines.

EMILY DeROCCO

President

Manufacturing Institute

Washington

·