SIMI VALLEY, MOORPARK : Chambers Voice NAFTA Support

Both the Simi Valley and Moorpark chambers of commerce have come out in favor of the proposed North American Free Trade Agreement, which is the subject of a congressional vote today.

Moorpark Chamber President Francis Okyere, who last month attended a White House briefing on the trade agreement with about 30 other officials from the state, said the pact will help energize the local economy.

“We think that it’s good for business and especially for this area,” Okyere said Tuesday. “The more trade partners you have, the wider span of trade you are able to get yourself involved in. California is very close to Mexico and it would have a very stimulating effect on our economy here.”

Nancy Bender, executive director of the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, agreed.

“This would be a positive step in correcting the critical economic development shortfalls we face in California,” Bender said. “It would create more U.S. jobs eventually and boost the demand for our products in Mexico.”

Critics of NAFTA contend that the agreement will encourage American companies to move manufacturing operations to Mexico, where labor is cheaper and government regulations less stringent, and eliminate thousands of domestic jobs.