It is a measure of the importance of Washington's proposed Central American free trade deal that George W. Bush, US president, met yesterday with the leaders of all six countries involved. While bilateral agreements such as Cafta are generally not a good way to liberalise trade, Mr Bush should do all he can to make this one happen.

Not only is it - on balance - positive for the countries involved. Its approval by a US Congress in danger of succumbing to the lure of protectionism is essential if the administration is to regain the initiative in its relations with Latin America, as well as on the broader front of free trade.