NAFTA negotiations continue: Today marks the end of the fifth round of negotiations regarding modernization of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). AAFA’s Executive Vice President Steve Lamar represented the industry in Mexico City, meeting with stakeholders and negotiators to push for a successful outcome for textile, apparel, and footwear companies. Additionally, AAFA submitted a statement to the Senate Finance Committee in conjunction with a field hearing of its Trade Subcommittee on NAFTA. The hearing was the first that the Committee (or any of its Subcommittees) has held since the talks began.

 

AAFA continues to ask members to visit our Legislative Action Center to send an email letter communicating support for a modernized NAFTA that functions for our industry – it takes just a few minutes. Any members with questions can contact Steve Lamar and Nate Herman. The Administration is hoping to conclude talks by the end of March 2018.

Holding international institutions accountable: Last week, AAFA joined the 26 other industry associations that comprise the EAGL Coalition in applauding the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s unanimous approval of the Multilateral Aid Review Act of 2017. The legislation would improve the accountability and effectiveness of select international institutions.

 

Next week in NYC: Next week, AAFA heads to NYC to for our Fall 2017 Environmental Committee and Social Responsibility Committee meetings. Many thanks to AAFA member Infor for hosting the meetings. For questions on how to get involved in either committee, contact Nate Herman or Kristen Kern. AAFA will also be attending the Two Ten Footwear Foundation Annual VIP Dinner & Gala on November 29 to help honor the footwear community and support the Two Ten mission. We look forward to visiting with AAFA members at all of these events.

Happy Thanksgiving! As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday, we’d like to take a moment to thank all AAFA members and all of our readers for your support.