    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book I)]
    [March 8, 2006]
    [Page 421]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Proposed United States-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement
    March 8, 2006

        The United States and Malaysia share strong trade and investment
    ties and a commitment to generating prosperity through openness,
    democracy, and freedom. Today we seek to further strengthen the ties
    between our two countries by launching negotiations on a comprehensive
    U.S.-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement.
        Once completed, a free trade agreement with Malaysia will generate
    significant commercial, economic, political, and strategic benefits to
    both countries. It will improve our ties with the Southeast Asia region
    and strengthen our engagement in Asia. Malaysia is our tenth-largest
    trading partner, and the United States is Malaysia's second-largest
    source of imports. A U.S.-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement will advance our
    commitment to opening markets around the world and expanding
    opportunities for America's farmers, ranchers, workers, and businesses.