Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill Would Grant PNTR to Central Asian Countries
Bipartisan bills were introduced in both chambers of Congress to grant permanent normal trade relations to Central Asian countries covered by the Jackson-Vanik Act, a law that removes permanent normal trade relations for certain countries. The bill was introduced one day before presidents of the Central Asian countries visited the White House Nov. 6.
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Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch, R-Idaho, and ranking member Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., led the Senate bill; House Ways and Means Committee members Reps. Carol Miller, R-W.Va., and Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif., co-sponsored the House bill.
"As a volatile Russia and an increasingly aggressive China pursue their own interests across the globe, the U.S. offers Central Asian nations the opportunity to work with an equal partner," Risch said in a press release on the bill.
Co-sponsor Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., said in the release, "Central Asia is rich in natural resources and is a strategically critical region for the U.S. Unfortunately, Central Asia is still subject to outdated, Cold War-era trade restrictions that prevent any permanent investment and hinder American trade and prosperity. It’s past time that we get rid of these outdated restrictions and I’m proud to work with my colleagues on a bill that will repeal Jackson-Vanik and unleash the full potential of American relationships with Central Asia."
Rep. Carol Miller said, "Granting Central Asian allies Permanent Normal Trade Relations reaffirms our commitment to building lasting economic agreements grounded in shared prosperity and a collective vision for a more stable and interconnected global economy."