The board of directors of the 525-member BiotechnologyIndustry Organization (BIO) has voted to endorse the NorthAmerican Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The association alsopledged to work with President Clinton to secure passage of thetreaty in the Senate.

"(NAFTA) will create an environment in which biotechnologycompanies can thrive in the international marketplace," saidBIO President Carl Feldbaum.

"BIO supports NAFTA because the U.S. biotechnology industryis a premiere example of an industry that is ready and fullyable to compete in international markets," he added.

President Clinton had requested that BIO consider endorsingNAFTA at a meeting with entrepreneurs in September.

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