National: April 27, 2001

North, South and Central American leaders signed an agreement to open up trade among the three regions by 2005—part of the Free Trade Agreement of the Americas (FTAA)—at the Summit of the Americas held in Quebec City, amid vocal anti-globalization protests in the city...Wilmington, Del.-based DuPont Apparel & Textile Sciences launched a new version of its branded spandex fiber Lycra; Lycra Easy Fit was designed for the sock market to be more comfortable and to help socks retain their shape and stay in place at the foot moves...Portland, Ore.-based Columbia Sportswear has signed a licensing agreement with Paris-based L’Amy Group for a line of men’s and women’s sunglasses and ski goggles under the Columbia label.