[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 5, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E133]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       REMARKS ON INTRODUCTION OF BILL TO PROVIDE PNTR TO ARMENIA

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                          HON. JOE KNOLLENBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 2003

  Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation to 
provide permanent normal trade relations to our ally Armenia. I hope 
colleagues will join me in passing this bill at the earliest 
opportunity.
  Since declaring its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, 
Armenia has made great strides in developing a stable democratic and 
open society. This includes an adherence to the fundamental principle 
free emigration. I am pleased that Armenia has been found to be in full 
compliance with the Jackson-Vanik requirements regarding free 
emigration under title IV of the Trade Act of 1974. The time has now 
come for Armenia to be graduated from this annual review.
  In 2002, despite the dual blockades by Turkey and Azerbaijan, Armenia 
was ranked 44th on the Heritage Foundation and Wall Street Journal's 
Index of Economic Freedom. According to this study, Armenia remains the 
most economically free country in the region, including all countries 
of the Commonwealth of Independent States. Armenia is poised to play a 
pivotal role as a commercial hub and has established a positive legal, 
regulatory and tax climate for foreign investment, reflecting the 
country's commitment to open and free trade.
  Armenia's strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, 
democratic stability, entrepreneurial spirit and western value system 
make Armenia an increasingly important partner for the United States in 
the Caucasus region. Total United States-Armenia bilateral trade for 
2002 amounted to more than $134,200,000.
  An indication of the progress Armenia has made is its success in 
pursuing membership in the World Trade Organization. On December 10, 
2002, the World Trade Organization's General Assembly unanimously voted 
to approve Armenia's full accession to the Organization.
  Armenia's accession to the WTO is a momentous event for this proud 
country that has worked hard to enact free-market reforms within a 
stable democratic framework. However, the full benefits of accession 
will not be realized unless Permanent Normal Trade Relations is granted 
to Armenia. Passing this bill will result in tangible benefits for 
Armenia and the United States and an even stronger relationship between 
our two countries.
  I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this bill into 
law.




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