Monday, June 11, 2001
Volume 37, Issue 23; ISSN: 0511-4187
Statement on the Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement
George W Bush
� June 8,2001
� Free trade and open markets are at the foundation of my
administration's efforts to promote prosperity and opportunity
around the world. Our free trade agenda is designed to engage our
trading partners at the global, regional, and bilateral level and to
expand economic integration and political cooperation. The history
of the previous century teaches us that trade is a powerful tool for
improving and reforming economies and opening up entire societies.
� Today I am sending to the Congress the Vietnam bilateral trade
agreement, an important part of my administration's trade agenda.
This agreement will increase opportunities for U.S. firms by
requiring Vietnam to dismantle a wide range of trade barriers, open
its services markets, and provide comprehensive protection of
intellectual property rights. Expanding ties between the United
States and Vietnam will continue the historic process of normalizing
our relations-a process that began during the first Bush
administration and advanced in the Clinton administration with the
negotiation of this agreement.
� This agreement enjoys broad bipartisan support in the Congress,
including from many Members who are Vietnam veterans. Enactment of
the agreement will provide a solid bipartisan foundation for action
on other trade issues.
� I recently extended the Jackson-Vanik waiver for Vietnam for one
year, based on my belief that Vietnam is making progress on
liberalizing its emigration statutes. My administration will
continue to press for improvements in Vietnam's overall record on
human rights and religious freedom.
� At the dawn of a new millennium, the United States stands ready to
shoulder its leadership role throughout the world. Engaging other
nations in trade is a vital part of U.S. leadership, and it is a key
element of promoting economic growth at home and abroad. I urge the
Congress to approve this agreement.
