    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [March 8, 2004]
    [Pages 342-343]
    [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 Morocco
    March 8, 2004

    To the Congress of the United States:
        Consistent with section 2105(a)(1)(A) of the Trade Act of 2002
    (Public Law 107-210; the ``Trade Act''), I am pleased to notify the
    Congress of my intent to enter into a free trade agreement (FTA) with
    the Kingdom of Morocco.
        This agreement will create new opportunities for America's workers,
    farmers, businesses, and consumers by eliminating barriers in trade with
    Morocco. Morocco is one of the United States strongest friends in the
    Middle East. Increased trade will benefit Americans and help strengthen
    a tolerant, open, and more prosperous Morocco. Entering into an FTA with
    Morocco will not only strengthen our bilateral ties with this important
    ally, it will also advance my goal of a Middle East free trade area
    (MEFTA) within a decade.

    [[Page 343]]

        Consistent with the Trade Act, I am sending this notification at
    least 90 days in advance of signing the United States-Morocco FTA. My
    Administration looks forward to working with the Congress in developing
    appropriate legislation to approve and implement this free trade
    agreement.

                                                              George W. Bush

     The White House,

     March 8, 2004.

    Note: The notice is listed in Appendix D at the end of this volume.