[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 28 (Monday, March 8, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S2299]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 REPORT ON THE INTENT TO ENTER INTO A FREE TRADE AGREEMENT (FTA) WITH 
                    THE GOVERNMENT OF MOROCCO--PM 71

  The PRESIDING OFFICER laid before the Senate the following message 
from the President of the United States, together with an accompanying 
report; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

To the Congress of the United States:
  Consistent with section 2105(a)(1)(A) of the Trade Act of 2002 
(Public Law 107-210; the ``Trade Act''), I am pleased to notify the 
Congress of my intent to enter into a free trade agreement (FTA) with 
the Kingdom of Morocco.
  This agreement will create new opportunities for America's workers, 
farmers, businesses, and consumers by eliminating barriers in trade 
with Morocco. Morocco is one of the United States strongest friends in 
the Middle East. Increased trade will benefit Americans and help 
strengthen a tolerant, open, and more prosperous Morocco. Entering into 
an FTA with Morocco will not only strengthen our bilateral ties with 
this important ally, it will also advance my goal of a Middle East free 
trade area (MEFTA) within a decade.
  Consistent with the Trade Act, I am sending this notification at 
least 90 days in advance of signing the United States-Morocco FTA. My 
Administration looks forward to working with the Congress in developing 
appropriate legislation to approve and implement this free trade 
agreement.
                                                      George W. Bush.  
The White House, March 8, 2004.

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