GOP 2012 Hopeful Jon Huntsman Vows to Fight for Free Trade

Unveiling his jobs plan in New Hampshire on Wednesday, former Gov. Jon Huntsman, who is running for the Republican presidential nomination, vowed to fight for free trade. Huntsman said he backed free trade and its effects, from his years in business and in public service as ambassador to China under President Barack Obama, and working on Asian issues under President George H.W. Bush.

As a former diplomat, trade official, governor and business executive, Ive witnessed firsthand the tremendous economic opportunities of free trade, said Huntsman. Ninety-five percent of the worlds customers live outside our borders, and with the U.S. party to only 17 of more than 300 trade agreements worldwide, opening more markets for American businesses should be a common-sense tool to spark immediate growth.

Huntsman took aim at the Obama administration for blocking three pending free-trade agreements which have struggled to emerge.

The president has failed to act on three trade agreements, with South Korea, Colombia and Panama Id make them a top priority, said Huntsman. "Washington must also immediately start discussions with India to end in a bilateral free-trade agreement strengthening our relationship with a friend who will prove to be critical to Americas success in the 21st century.