Global Trade Alert

President Obama signed the 'Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards Act' (S.1487) into law on November 12, 2011. The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) is intended to promote fast and efficient travel for security-screened business people and government officials within the APEC region. The cards will allow American business and government personnel traveling to the Asia-Pacific region access to expedited visa processing and designated airport travel lanes. Foreign travel card holders in 18 other economies already have access to these privileges when traveling to the United States. President Obama signed the legislation at the APEC Economic Leaders' meeting in Honolulu.