Houston Chronicle

Regina Vargo, Assistant Trade Representative for the United States speaks during the Greater Houston Partnership s meeting at the Westin Galleria Hotel Wednesday, 10/22/03. The primary negotiators of the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) appeared on a panel during the meeting. The panel consisted of Edwardo Ayala of El Salvador, Regina Vargo of the United States, Anabel Gonzalez of Costa Rica, Melvin Redondo of Honduras, Guido Orlando Rodas of Guatemala and Carlos Sequeira of Nicaragua. Photo by Steve Campbell. HOUCHRON CAPTION (10/23/2003): "We are confident that CAFTA is within our collective grasp," Regina Vargo said. CAFTA / Negotiators attempt to be flexible / Agriculture remains difficult to handle. (Photo by Steve Campbell/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)