LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Three members of Arkansas' congressional delegation say a recent free trade agreement with Panama and a new pledge between the nation and the University of Arkansas will help Arkansas' trade.

Sens. John Boozman and Mark Pryor and Rep. Rick Crawford visited Panama Friday to participate in a signing ceremony between the University of Arkansas and Panama to strengthen relations between the two. The three lawmakers also planned to visit Colombia as part of the trade mission.

The five-year agreement between the university and Panama will try to foster cultural and educational activities between the two. The trip comes after the United States ratified free trade agreements with Panama and Colombia.

Panama is Arkansas' 48th largest trading partner, with the state exporting $16.7 million in goods to the country last year.

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