By Alexandra de Boutray

WASHINGTON (MNI) - Free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea could create or save thousands of U.S. jobs and ensure global competitiveness of U.S. industry, but business executives said Monday President Barack Obama must take a stand and press Congress to approve the pacts.

"We think the numbers are there and we think the (congressional) leadership will be there but what's indispensable is for the White House to provide that guidance going forward," U.S. Chamber Commerce Vice President John Murphy said at a forum.

Negotiated under former President George W. Bush, the free trade agreements have already been signed with but Congressional approval is pending.

Citing a U.S. Chamber of Commerce study, Murphy said 380,000 U.S. jobs and $40 billion in export sales will be lost if Congress fails to approve the FTAs with South Korea and Colombia.

The executives also warned that inaction would put American producers at a disadvantage as the European Union and Canada are negotiating their own free trade pacts with South Korea and Colombia in the coming year.

President Barack Obama's return from a week-long Asia tour has reinvigorated efforts by U.S. business leaders to advance the free trade deals.

During a Fox News interview last week, Obama said he supported the free trade agreement deal with South Korea.

"The question is whether we can get it done in the beginning of 2010, whether we can get it done at the end of 2010. There's still some details that need to be worked out," Obama said.

Murphy said he is confident Congress would easily pass the trade deals given the opportunity to vote.

"We are absolutely convinced that on all three of the trade agreements that the votes would be there. We just need to have the chance to hold that vote," Murphy said.

However, some critics remain skeptical about the deals.

They say the U.S. auto industry could be affected by the passage of the South Korea deal, which they say discriminates against U.S. auto parts.

Critics cite the human rights concerns in Colombia, including violence against labor leaders. But Murphy and other executives at the forum declined to respond to questions on the country's human rights record.

** Market News International Washington Bureau: 202-371-2121 **