[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 14]
[House]
[Page 18960]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                           USA-ASIA RELATIONS

  (Mr. KLINE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. KLINE. Mr. Speaker, this is an historic moment for U.S.-Asia 
relations. The United States and Singapore have agreed to formalize 
their mutually beneficial economic relationship with the ground-
breaking U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement. This monumental agreement 
is the first free trade agreement between the United States and an 
Asian country. It opens new markets for U.S. businesses and provides 
strong protections for U.S. companies and investors.
  Singapore is an important economic ally of the United States. In 
2002, Singapore was the 12th largest U.S. trading partner. Not only is 
Singapore itself an important market to the United States, but it also 
serves as a bridge between the United States and other markets in the 
Asia-Pacific region. This agreement builds on Singapore's many 
strengths and solidifies an important economic relationship between the 
two nations, presenting new opportunities for U.S. businesses and 
investors.
  The U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement will set an example for 
economic relations with other U.S. allies in the Asia-Pacific region. I 
urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the U.S.-Singapore Free 
Trade Agreement.

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