What is the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA)?
The Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) is a U.S.-sponsored proposal to construct the world’s largest free trade zone stretching from Alaska to Argentina that would link thirty-four countries and a market of 800 million people. The project was originally floated in 1990 by ex-President George Bush. It will be his son, President George W. Bush, who will finalize the negotiation by January 1, 2005 at the latest. Countries are expected to ratify the treaty by the end of that year.
