    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [January 12, 2004]
    [Pages 52-54]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at the Inauguration Ceremony of the Special Summit of the
    Americas in Monterrey
    January 12, 2004

        Mr. President, I thank you for your
    wonderful hospitality. First Lady,
    thank you as well. Please thank the people of this gracious city for
    hosting such a distinguished group of leaders, spouses, citizens of the
    world.
        Two years ago in this city, world leaders formed the Monterrey
    Consensus. We pledged to work for government that is responsive to the
    basic needs of every human being and for policies that promote
    opportunity for all. At this year's summit, we

    [[Page 53]]

    are embracing the challenge of implementing that consensus to bring all
    the hemisphere's people into an expanding circle of development.
        To advance these goals, my Nation revolutionized the way we provide
    aid, and we substantially increased our aid to developing countries.
    Under our new Compact for Development, U.S. assistance is linked to good
    governments, investment in people, and economic freedom. Development
    assistance should light a path to reform and economic growth rather than
    perpetuate the need for further aid.
        The nations of this hemisphere must identify concrete steps to
    implement the noble ideas of the Monterrey Consensus. We must work to
    provide quality education and quality health care for all our citizens,
    especially for those suffering from HIV/AIDS. We must also chart a clear
    course toward a vibrant free market that will help lift people out of
    poverty and create a healthy middle class. We must increase the credit
    available to small businesses that generate the majority of jobs in all
    our economies and reduce the time that it takes to start a business. We
    must strengthen property rights so that land can be leveraged as a
    source of capital to start businesses or hire new workers. And we must
    lower the cost of sending money home to the families of hard-working men
    and women who are earning a living abroad.
        Over the long term, trade is the most certain path to lasting
    prosperity. The openness of our market is the key driver of growth in
    the region and a testament to the United States' belief in the mutual
    benefits of trade. Last year, about 83 percent of Latin America's
    exports to the United States, roughly $176 billion worth of goods,
    entered my country duty-free. My country is committed to free and fair
    trade for this hemisphere through the Free Trade Area of the Americas
    and through the growing number of bilateral free trade agreements we
    have completed and are negotiating. Our NAFTA partners have been vital
    free trade allies for 10 years now.
        Our free trade agreement with Chile entered into force on the first
    of this year. We're completing a free trade agreement with our Central
    American partners. This week we'll launch negotiations with the
    Dominican Republic, and soon we'll begin negotiations with Panama and
    some of our Andean friends. Once completed, these free trade agreements
    will cover more than two-thirds of the GDP of America's neighbors.
        The essential foundations of prosperity and progress remain
    democracy and the rule of law. All nations must prevail in the fight
    against corruption. We must deny safe haven to corrupt officials and
    create a culture of transparency in the Americas. Today I signed a
    proclamation denying corrupt officials entry into my country. I urge
    other countries to take similar actions.
        At past summits, we resolved that democracy is the only legitimate
    form of government in this hemisphere and that the peoples of the
    Americas have an obligation to promote it and defend it. Those
    governments in our hemisphere that have responded by supporting
    democracy can be proud. Our unity and support of democratic
    institutions, constitutional processes, and basic liberties gives hope
    and strength to those struggling to preserve their God-given rights,
    whether in Venezuela or Haiti or Bolivia.
        And through our democratic example, we must continue to stand with
    the brave people of Cuba, who for nearly half a century have endured the
    tyrannies and repression. Dictatorship has no place in the Americas. We
    must all work for a rapid, peaceful transition to democracy in Cuba.
    Together we will succeed, because the spirit of liberty still thrives,
    even in the darkest corners of Castro's
    prisons.
        We have great opportunities to work together to improve the quality
    of life for all the people of this hemisphere. To realize our common
    vision, we must set goals

    [[Page 54]]

    that are specific and measurable. In doing so, we will affirm our
    determination to succeed and to give hope to millions.
        Together we will implement the Monterrey Consensus, lift all our
    nations, and show the world that free societies and free markets can
    deliver real benefits to our citizens.
        May God bless you all.

    Note: The President spoke at 6:12 p.m. at the Parque Fundidora. In his
    remarks, he referred to President Vicente Fox of Mexico and his wife,
    Marta Sahagun de Fox; and President Fidel Castro of Cuba.