Great Falls trade talks with representatives from Thailand could yield ag windfall

The red carpet is rolled out and ready for negotiators in Great Falls this week for the next round of the U.S.-Thailand free trade agreement negotiations.

The Electric City was picked as the site at the suggestion of Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont.

About 200 negotiators, business people and trade association personnel are in town to hammer out details of the agreement. Local officials are poised to make some pitches for a few deals of their own.

"There’s a lot of work behind the scenes, but this is an exciting opportunity," said Richard Owen, president of the Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. He’s on the host committee helping prepare events during the talks.

The nuts-and-bolts sessions of the talks take place at the Heritage Inn and are closed to the public.

There will be a few chances to rub elbows with the foreign trade brass, but only for those with invitations.

Baucus is host to a breakfast meeting for negotiators, ag producers and Montana businesses Monday at the Heritage Inn. Roundtable discussions for agriculture, manufacturers and other businesses also are scheduled.

By JO DEE BLACK
Tribune Staff Writer

Full Story: http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050710/NEWS01/507100302/1002

Additional meetings: Vision Net To Broadcast Sen. Baucus / Thai Business Leaders Trade Talk Breakfast , 7/11, Sidney, Havre, Scobey http://www.matr.net/article-15238.html