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EXCERPTED REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT AT SWEARING-IN
CEREMONY
FOR THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE
May 17, 2005
Our first trade priority is to pass the Central American
and Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement, known as CAFTA.
That is an important priority of this administration, and
it should be an important priority of the United States Congress.
Last week I met with the six Presidents from the nations.
We all share an interest in prosperity for our people and
peace in the region, and CAFTA gives us an historic opportunity
to advance these common goals.
The agreement does four key things: It will level the playing
field for American farmers and businesses. It will help our
economy. It will make the region more competitive with Asia.
And it will strengthen democracy in our backyard. At the moment,
about 80 percent of imports from the region already enter
the United States duty-free. Our market is open to the goods
from CAFTA nations. CAFTA will open the region's markets of
44 million consumers to our goods and our services and our
crops. CAFTA will also lower barriers in key segments like
textiles. This would put CAFTA countries and America in a
better position to compete with low-cost producers in Asia.
As it opens the Western Hemisphere markets, CAFTA will also
bring the stability and security that can only come from freedom.
Today, a part of the world that was once characterized by
unrest and dictatorship now sees its future in free elections
and free trade, and we must not take these gains for granted.
These are small nations, but they are making big and brave
commitments, and America needs to continue to support them
as they walk down the road of openness and accountability.
By transforming our hemisphere into a powerful free trade
area, we will promote democratic governance and human rights
and the economic liberty for everyone. CAFTA is a really important
piece of legislation.
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