[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 138 (Saturday, October 28, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1985]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  INTRODUCTION OF THE U.S.-SINGAPORE FREE TRADE AGREEMENT ACT OF 2000

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                          HON. JOE KNOLLENBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 27, 2000

  Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce the U.S.-Singapore 
Free Trade Agreement Act of 2000. It is a critical and timely piece of 
legislation.
  Positioned strategically amid vital shipping lanes, Singapore is one 
of the United States' closest, most strategically important friends in 
Southeast Asia. Singapore is the tenth largest export market for the 
United States. Literally thousands of Americans depend on exports to 
Singapore for their jobs. The U.S. is also the number one foreign 
investor in Singapore--with a total of $25 billion in 1999. There are 
more than 1,300 U.S. businesses with offices in Singapore and more than 
13,000 U.S. citizens living in the multi-ethnic island nation.
   Singapore has established itself as the business hub for Southeast 
Asia and it is quickly becoming a hub for much of the rest of Asia.
  Not just in business, but also on vital national security issues, 
Singapore offers us a perspective on the region informed by kinship 
with its neighbors and its own history of development. It is a reliable 
source of stability in a region of the world undergoing generally 
positive, but sometimes wrenching political, economic, and societal 
change. The U.S. Western Pacific Logistics Command is based in 
Singapore, and Singapore and the U.S. conduct both joint air and joint 
naval exercises. Most recently, Singapore has undertaken to build a 
deep-water pier and naval base, entirely at their own expense, and 
offered its services to U.S. aircraft carriers.
  Singapore's trading regime in goods and services is the freest in 
Asia. The environment for foreign investment is inviting and the 
government is a helpful hand for Americans looking to make investments. 
Having said that, however, there are sectors where American companies 
are eager to compete. I am hopeful that a U.S.-Singapore trade 
agreement can both recognize the very free trade and investments 
relationship that exists and at the same time provide even greater 
opportunities for American business.
  A free trade agreement with Singapore is important for the 
international free trade agenda as well. The United States must 
continue to work to bring down barriers to trade throughout the world. 
Free traders in Congress have had some key victories this year with the 
Africa Free Trade Bill, the Caribbean Basin Initiative and PNTR for 
China. We all celebrated those victories, as well we should. However, 
an anti-trade element still exists in Congress that seeks to turn the 
political tide against free trade. It will take constant vigilance to 
build and sustain an active free trade constituency. It is my hope that 
progress on a Singapore agreement will lead to bi-lateral and 
multilateral agreements with other Pacific Rim countries that share our 
interest in opening markets.
  A U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement serves several key U.S. 
national interest. It supports U.S. jobs. It supports U.S. worldwide 
investment. It solidifies a vital trans-Pacific U.S. relationship. It 
will serve as a model for free trade agreements throughout the Pacific-
Rim, and encourage the opening of consultations to this end.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in cosponsoring the U.S. Singapore 
Free Trade Act of 2000 and I urge its passage into law.

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