    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book II)]
    [November 20, 2006]
    [Pages 2105-2106]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Prior to a Meeting With Business Leaders in Ho Chi Minh City,
    Vietnam
    November 20, 2006

        Thank you all very much for--thank you very much for joining me and
    the Secretary of State. I find it really
    interesting that my first meeting in Ho Chi Minh City is at the stock
    exchange, and I'm meeting with entrepreneurs, people who have taken a
    look at the markets in Vietnam and have decided that this is a good
    place to invest.
        I want to thank you all for coming to share some of your stories
    with me. I'm very interested in hearing what the opportunities are like
    and the obstacles you face

    [[Page 2106]]

    and how, perhaps, the United States can help foster the market economy
    that is growing here.
        I must tell you, I am, first of all, unbelievably grateful for the
    welcome that Laura and I have been received with
    here in Ho Chi Minh City; I've never seen as many people line the
    streets with such a friendly attitude. Secondly, when I read about the
    recent economic history of Vietnam, I am amazed at the size of the
    growth and the fact that are people are beginning to realize dreams. I
    recognize that some of you here at the table were born in Vietnam, came
    to the United States in the midseventies, and have decided to return.
    And I'm really interested in hearing what that has been like and the
    contrast in lifestyles and why you made the decisions you made.
        And I do want to hear from you all.

    Note: The President spoke at 9:15 a.m. at the Ho Chi Minh City
    Securities Trading Center.