    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book I)]
    [January 29, 2003]
    [Pages 100-101]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message to the Congress Transmitting a Notice of Intention To Enter Into
    a Free Trade Agreement With Singapore
    January 29, 2003

    To the Congress of the United States:
        In accordance with sections 2103(a)(1) and 2105(a)(1) of the Trade
    Act of 2002 (the ``Trade Act''), I am pleased to notify the Congress of
    my intent to enter into a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Government
    of Singapore.
        The Agreement we have negotiated promotes our commitment to secure a
    level playing field and open new opportunities for America's workers,
    farmers, businesses, and consumers in global trade. The United States is
    a party to only three out of more than 200 existing FTAs, leaving
    Americans at a competitive disadvantage in many markets. With the
    enactment of Trade Promotion Authority; the completion of this
    Agreement; ongoing global, regional, and bilateral trade negotiations;
    and the continued support of the Congress, the United States is
    reasserting leadership in world trade.
        United States leadership in promoting trade liberalization advances
    our national interests. Free trade promotes our values by encouraging
    openness, the rule of law, and respect for private property. It builds
    global prosperity and strengthens security. Free trade employs the power
    of markets to meet the needs of the poor and has helped lift millions of
    people out of poverty by putting them on the path to prosperity. In the
    extended campaign against terrorism, free trade can be an economic ally.
    By helping to create opportunity and hope in poorer societies, open
    trade counters those who would destroy rather than create.
        Securing open access to markets abroad is vital to the strength and
    continued growth of the U.S. economy. In the previous decade, exports
    accounted for 25 percent of our economic growth. They currently support
    the jobs of more than 12 million Americans.
        Singapore is our 11th largest trading partner with total two-way
    trade in goods and services valued at $38.8 billion in 2001. This FTA
    will improve opportunities for U.S. exports, growth, and investment,
    while also providing increased opportunities for the people of
    Singapore. This Agreement provides for substantial market access across
    the entire services sector and locks in Singapore's zero tariff rates on
    goods, including agriculture.

    [[Page 101]]

        Fair treatment of U.S. goods and services is important to increasing
    market access. This Agreement has, among other provisions, specific and
    groundbreaking customs procedures and transparency requirements that
    will promote efficiency and fairness. It also establishes a secure and
    predictable legal framework for U.S. investors operating in Singapore.
        This is an agreement for the economy of the 21st century. Inventors,
    performers, authors, and creative enterprises in the United States and
    Singapore will benefit from enhanced copyright, patent, trademark, trade
    secret, and other intellectual property rights protection. The Agreement
    also contains state-of-the-art protections for digital products and
    electronic commerce.
        My Administration is committed to moving forward on multiple fronts
    to advance environmental protection and worker rights in a credible and
    responsible manner. This Agreement meets the labor and environmental
    objectives provided by the Congress in the Trade Act.
        In sum, free trade is a fundamental source of America's economic
    vitality. This Agreement will benefit the U.S. economy through both
    higher-paying jobs created by exports and lower prices paid by
    consumers. It will strengthen U.S. ties with a valued economic partner
    and promote America's political and security interests in an important
    region.
        As called for by the Trade Act, I am sending this notification at
    least 90 days in advance of signing the U.S.-Singapore FTA. My
    Administration looks forward to working with the Congress to develop
    appropriate legislation to approve and implement this Free Trade
    Agreement.

                                                              George W. Bush

     The White House,

     January 29, 2003.

    Note: This message was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    January 30. The notice of January 29 is listed in Appendix D at the end
    of this volume.