Last week, Congress approved three free trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama. These deals will mean an immediate boost in U.S. exports and the creation of thousands of jobs.

The House and Senate voted in quick succession Wednesday to approve the agreements, which have languished for four years since they were originally negotiated and signed by President George W. Bush. During that time, American businesses paid billions of dollars in tariffs each year on exports to three countries that had already signed free trade agreements with us indicating that they were willing to eliminate those tariffs. With this vote, our country can finally start capitalizing on the profits and jobs promised with these deals.The agreement with South Korea, which has the world’s 13th-largest economy, was the biggest such deal since the North American Free Trade Agreement with Mexico and Canada in 1994. Based on an estimate provided by the U.S. Commerce Department, the approval of all three agreements will boost exports and immediately create 68,000 new export-supported jobs.

I agree with U.S. Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue.

“America is finally getting back in the game,” he said. “These agreements are about creating jobs and ensuring a level playing field for trade. America’s long timeout on trade has been creating jobs – in other countries. While other nations clinch their own trade deals, American workers have been left to compete with one hand tied behind their backs.”

Luckily, the vote last week means we can finally move forward. I would like to thank our state’s congressional delegation for support of these important agreements. According to Republican U.S. Rep. James Lankford, exports from Oklahoma to South Korea, Panama and Colombia have increased 63 percent, 105 percent and 661 percent, respectively. I agree that we can further improve our state and national exports with the passage of these agreements.

We must continue to find ways for our state and country to compete in the global marketplace. These trade agreements are a step in the right direction.

Fred Morgan is president and chief operating officer of The State Chamber of Oklahoma.