Thank you very much, Chair.
In my first opportunity, I spoke about Jordan. I'd like to move it over to Panama if I could.
I recall the prior comments about bilaterals versus multilaterals. Mr. Stephenson, I think you've explained with pretty good rationale why If bilaterals are the only pond we can play in, then that's the pond we play in.
I'd like to acknowledge the government's position on that--very aggressive in trying to do bilaterals for the very reason that you mentioned when we spoke in terms of 75% of our trade being dependent on the United States. I live to see a day when we decrease the percentage with the United States but increase the numbers with the United States and increase them worldwide. I know that's why the Prime Minister and the international trade minister travelled throughout Central and South America fairly recently.
Mr. Reeder, I want to ask you a question if I can. You spoke about a couple of things that struck me as very interesting. In particular, you talked earlier about the importance of increased engagement with Panama, and you felt that it would be challenged because of the recent signing of an FTA between the United States and Panama. Why should it matter to us that the U.S. is there in front of us having already put that in place? I'd like you to try to put on record so that it's clear to me and to all colleagues why it does matter for us, even though it feels like a little bit of catch-up, and why it's important that we do this now.