SAN JOSE, May 10 (Xinhuanet) -- US Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman vowed Monday in Costa Rica that her government would approve as soon as possible the free trade agreement (FTA) with Central America.

    At a press conference held against the backdrop of the ministry's Conference on the Use of Science and Technology to Promote Agricultural Productivity, the official said farm trade with Central America was of fundamental importance.

    Veneman said she was in favor of opening market to agricultural products since "the treaty will widen the opportunities for both parties."

    The secretary said that competition, along with the transfer oftechnology, was one of the elements that guaranteed the activity's success, and stressed horizontal cooperation was a perfect tool for producers in developing countries to access the markets of wealthy nations.

    On the US farm subsidies, the official said the issue had to be discussed before the World Trade Organization (WTO).

    She recognized that many trade barriers were due to technical obstacles to trade, especially health measures imposed by every country, rather than custom tariffs. Therefore, the transfer of knowledge was necessary to fulfill scientific and technological requirements, develop capacities, and thus get benefits in the world market.

    Veneman said her country had strongly supported custom tariff cuts, and the continent's countries had to move forward in market liberalization.

    The ministry's conference was attended by agricultural ministers and representatives of Mexico, Central America and the Dominican Republic, along with members of the Regional Agricultural Cooperation Council. Enditem