President George W. Bush's plans to boost US trade with the Middle East took a step forward Thursday with the signing of a US-Oman free trade agreement, according to Deutsche Presse Agentur (dpa). If approved by Congress, the deal would scrap most tariffs and improve market access. US exports to Oman were about 330 million dollars in 2004. US Trade Representative Rob Portman, who signed the agreement, said it would cement the relationship between the countries. "This agreement also helps the advancement of economic and political freedom in the region," Portman said. "For decades, Oman and the United States have shared a desire for peace, stability and economic opportunity in the Middle East. Today we take an important new step in our partnership." It is the fifth U.S. free-trade agreement in the Middle East, following similar deals with Israel, Jordan, Morocco and Bahrain. Bush wants to see a Middle East Free Trade Area established by 2013. --SP 21 25 Local Time 18 25 GMT
