NAM President Engler hails U.S./UAE 123 Agreement.
Press Release Summary:
Signed by Secretary Condoleeza Rice and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan from UAE, 123 Agreement on Commercial Nuclear Technology will provide basis for U.S. companies supplying equipment and services to nuclear power industry to pursue large commercial opportunities in UAE. Agreement also bolsters friendship and cooperation between U.S. and UAE, and provides strict non-proliferation provisions. Engler commends Secretary Rice and government officials who worked to achieve agreement.
Original Press Release:
NAM President Engler Hails U.S./UAE "123 Agreement" Signed Today; Urges Quick Congressional Approval
123 Agreement Will Be Good for U.S. Exports, Jobs, the Environment, and Nuclear Non-proliferation, Says Engler
WASHINGTON, D.C. January 15, 2009 - National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) President John Engler strongly endorsed the "123 Agreement" on Commercial Nuclear Technology signed today at the Department of State by Secretary Condoleezza Rice and her counterpart from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
"This is a strong nuclear cooperation agreement and will provide the basis for U.S. companies supplying equipment and services to the nuclear power industry to pursue large commercial opportunities in the UAE," Engler said. "This agreement also bolsters the close friendship and cooperation between the U.S. and the UAE, and provides strict non-proliferation provisions. I commend Secretary Rice and all the U.S. Government officials in several agencies who have worked so hard to achieve this important agreement.
"Given the ambitious plans that the UAE has developed, there will be huge opportunities for U.S. firms across the country and their workers to benefit from much-needed multi-billion dollar procurements from the UAE," Engler said. "Foreign competitors are already out in the UAE aggressively pursuing these contracts. Our best companies and workers need to be able to compete for that work.
"The UAE's nuclear power development, as with nuclear plants in the U.S. and around the world, is essential if we are to reduce global emissions of greenhouse gases while at the same time meet the energy needs of growing economies. I am also encouraged that this agreement includes very strong non-proliferation commitments and structures that are obviously also an important U.S. objective.
"We were honored to host a meeting at the NAM this morning that brought together leaders of the UAE delegation and NAM member companies in the nuclear power equipment and construction sectors," Engler noted. "It was an excellent session. We and our member companies were most impressed with the seriousness with which the UAE is approaching the important issue of nuclear power in all its aspects, including the non-proliferation and environmental commitments.
"Today's 123 Agreement is a very important step, but the U.S. Government, including the Congress, still needs to continue moving forward on these important issues," Engler concluded, "The NAM, along with our member companies, are going to speak forcefully on the importance and urgency of continuing to move forward with our UAE partners. Time is of the essence given the ambitious plans and timeline that the UAE has for moving ahead to implement its nuclear energy program."
The National Association of Manufacturers is the nation's largest industrial trade association, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the NAM has 11 additional offices across the country. Visit the NAM's award-winning web site at www.nam.org for more information about manufacturing and the economy.
