    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [July 1, 1997]
    [Page 898]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Proclamation Implementing the Information Technology
    Agreement
    July 1, 1997

        As I unveil our electronic commerce initiative, I am also pleased to
    announce that I signed a proclamation that today implements the
    information technology agreement concluded at the World Trade
    Organization in Geneva in March. This historic trade agreement will cut
    to zero tariffs on a vast array of computers, semiconductors, and
    telecommunications technology by the year 2000. Trade in these goods
    covers more than $500 billion in global trade. These products are the
    essential building blocks of the information superhighway. Combined with
    the entrepreneurial spirit of people here and throughout the world, they
    will drive electronic commerce and communication in the 21st century.
        Every year, we sell $100 billion in information technology that
    supports almost 2 million jobs in the United States. Eliminating tariffs
    on these goods will amount to a $5 billion cut in tariffs on American
    products exported to other nations. For example, in India and Thailand
    tariffs on computers are 8 times higher than in the United States. These
    tariffs will be eliminated, allowing American products to compete on a
    more level playing field.
        America leads the world in information technology. This agreement
    will create extraordinary new opportunities for American business and
    workers, so the American people can reap the rewards of the global
    economy as we enter the new century.

    Note: The proclamation of June 30 to implement the World Trade
    Organization Ministerial Declaration on Trade in Information Technology
    Products was published in the Federal Register on July 2.