Moves to grant the mainland permanent Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status were unlikely to get through United States Congress this year, the assistant chief economist for the Trade Development Council said yesterday.
Mike Martin said a crowded legislative time-table, coupled with President Bill Clinton's stated trade policy priorities, made it unlikely the proposal would be passed.
The mainland is expected to have its annual MFN status renewed, despite the traditional opposition from conservative sections of Congress.
In his recent State of the Union address, President Clinton said his foreign policy priorities for Congressional approval this year would be the fast-track initiative and more funding for the International Monetary Fund.
The crowded legislative agenda this year is further complicated by Congressional elections.
Experts estimate Congress will have less than 100 days to address its formal workload.