    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book II)]
    [November 19, 2005]
    [Pages 1745-1746]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    November 19, 2005

        Good morning. I am currently traveling in Asia on a trip to Japan,
    South Korea, China, and Mongolia. I'm visiting with friends and allies
    in the region to discuss issues vital to the future of all Americans.
        One important issue for American workers, entrepreneurs, businesses,
    and farmers is to access foreign markets for our goods, services, and
    farm products. At the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in South
    Korea, we have advanced America's case for free and fair trade.
        The leaders of the 20 other Asian-Pacific member economies join the
    United States in a strong statement aimed at moving forward the Doha
    round of negotiations at the World Trade Organization. By pushing for a
    successful conclusion to the trade talks, Asian-Pacific leaders are
    working with us toward the goal of a freer and fairer global trading
    system, which will benefit America and other nations around the world.
        I'm also raising the issue of free and fair trade and open markets
    in my one-on-one meetings with other leaders. In my discussions with
    Prime Minister Koizumi of Japan, I urged
    him to lift his nation's ban on American beef. The Prime Minister
    assured me that we are making good progress on this issue. Japan's Food
    Safety Commission has ruled that beef from young American cattle is
    safe. I expect that the Japanese Government will follow through on

    [[Page 1746]]

    the recommendations of the commission so that America's beef industry
    and cattlemen will have access to a market that has been closed to them
    for almost 2 years.
        I will also raise important trade issues on Sunday during my meeting
    in Beijing with President Hu of China. Access to
    American markets has played an important role in China's economic
    development. And China needs to provide a level playing field for
    American farmers and businesses seeking access to China's market. The
    United States supported China's membership in the World Trade
    Organization because we believe that the cause of free and fair trade is
    advanced if China plays by the same global rules as everyone else.
        When I met with President Hu in New York
    earlier this year, he said that China would bring more balance to our
    trade and protect intellectual property rights. I welcomed those
    commitments, just as I welcomed China's announcement in July that it
    would implement a flexible market-based exchange system for its
    currency. These statements are a good beginning, but China needs to take
    action to ensure these goals are fully implemented.
        The textile agreement our two nations recently reached shows that
    with hard work and determination, we can come together to resolve
    difficult trading issues. The agreement adds certainty and
    predictability for businesses in both America and China. I look forward
    to frank discussions on Sunday with President Hu
    about our need to find solutions to our trade differences with China.
        America is drawn by trade and values and history to be part of
    Asia's future. The extraordinary economic growth of the Asia-Pacific
    region has delivered prosperity to millions of people, and it has
    created many new opportunities for American workers, farmers, and
    businesses. America is a nation founded on the idea of open exchange.
    And we know that free and fair trade benefits all sides.
        We also know that American workers can compete with anybody,
    anytime, anywhere when the rules are fair. By opening new markets, we
    will create more good jobs in America. By ensuring fair access for
    American goods and services and securing intellectual property rights,
    we will level the playing field for our workers, farmers, and
    businesses. And by working for free and fair trade, we will help deliver
    a better life for all Americans and advance the cause of peace and
    prosperity in the world.
        Thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 7 p.m. on November 18 in the Westin
    Chosun Hotel, Busan, South Korea, for broadcast at 11:06 a.m., e.s.t.,
    on November 19. The transcript was made available by the Office of the
    Press Secretary on November 18 but was embargoed for release until the
    broadcast. Due to the 13-hour time difference, the radio address was
    broadcast after the President's remarks in Osan, South Korea. In his
    address, the President referred to Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi of
    Japan; and President Hu Jintao of China. The Office of the Press
    Secretary also released a Spanish language transcript of this address.