Bradley University hosted a panel with foreign diplomats to talk about negotiations for the latest possible free trade agreement. The U.S. and European Union are in talks over the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. Angela Weck directs the Peoria Area World Affairs Council that hosted the event. She says an eventual agreement will impact Central Illinois:
“We are so integrated into the global economy, into the cultures of the world, that there’s no way we should ignore what's going on,” Weck says.
“We should be absolutely a part of the decision-making process and learn about it and share our views on what’s happening.”
Free trade advocates say Central Illinois manufacturing and farmers benefit from previous agreements with other countries. Weck says any future agreement with the EU is likely a few years away. Officials say the trade agreement can mean more manufacturing and finance jobs for Illinois by removing fees other countries impose on U.S. products.