Colombia Official Working on Trade Deal

Several companies are leading the way in pressing the Obama Administration to send to Congress for approval of the stalled U.S.-Colombia trade deal. Not only is the deal important to the business community, it is also important to the Colombian government. Colombia Ambassador Carolina Barco wants the Obama Administration and Congress to know that her country has made great strides in addressing concerns raised by critics, particularly in its judicial system.

Barco realizes this is an uphill battle. Public attitudes toward trade are becoming increasingly negative as job losses weigh down much of the United States. With the administration focusing on other priorities, Congress has been in no mood to approve new trade deals.

"We hope that once health care reform is through, we can go back and look at the free trade agreements again," Barco said.

In Colombia kidnappings and murders have dropped significantly, a reality Barco is trying to impress upon U.S. lawmakers who visit the country. She says the perception and the reality are totally different.