    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [February 15, 1997]
    [Pages 161-162]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Telecommunications Services Agreement
    February 15, 1997

        I am pleased to announce that American-led negotiations in Geneva
    have resulted today in a landmark agreement that will liberalize world
    trade in telecommunications services. Telecommunications services
    trade--including telephone, data, satellite, and cellular services--is
    already a $600 billion industry. It is expected to grow to more than $1
    trillion over the next 10 years. U.S. telecommunications firms are the
    most competitive in the world. This agreement will open markets in
    nations that account for over 90 percent of the world's
    telecommunications trade and allow U.S. companies to compete on an equal
    basis. Today's agreement will bring clear benefits to American workers,
    businesses, and consumers alike--new jobs, new markets, and lower
    prices--and will spread the benefits of a technology revolution to
    citizens around the world.
        Just 2 months ago the United States led efforts to complete the
    information technology agreement, which zeroes out tariffs on a broad
    range of information technology goods, such as computers, telephone
    equipment, and semiconductors. Today's agreement opens markets for the
    services for which many of those information technology products are
    used--basic telecommunications. These are critical steps toward
    realization of the American vision of a global information
    infrastucture.
        I want to thank the Vice President for his important role in
    launching these negotiations nearly 3 years ago. I also want to
    congratulate America's Trade Representative-designate, Ambassador
    Charlene Barshefsky, for her skilled

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    and determined efforts. This important agreement advances our interests
    and opens new opportunities for growth, prosperity, and progress. I also
    want to thank FCC Chairman Reed Hundt and Deputy U.S. Trade
    Representative Jeff Lang who helped bring these negotiations to their
    successful conclusion.