    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [May 10, 2007]
    [Pages 561-562]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on International Trade and Investment Policy
    May 10, 2007

        The United States has a longstanding commitment to open economies
    that empower individuals, generate economic opportunity and prosperity
    for all, and provide the foundation for a free society. Economic
    freedom, supported by the rule of law, reinforces political freedom by
    encouraging and supporting the free flow of ideas. To continue the
    advance of liberty and prosperity, my administration will work
    vigorously to promote open investment policies and free trade on a level
    playing field.
        A free and open international investment regime is vital for a
    stable and growing

    [[Page 562]]

    economy, both here at home and throughout the world. The threat of
    global terrorism and other national security challenges have caused the
    United States and other countries to focus more intently on the national
    security dimensions of foreign investment. While my administration will
    continue to take every necessary step to protect national security, my
    administration recognizes that our prosperity and security are founded
    on our country's openness.
        As both the world's largest investor and the world's largest
    recipient of investment, the United States has a key stake in promoting
    an open investment regime. The United States unequivocally supports
    international investment in this country and is equally committed to
    securing fair, equitable, and nondiscriminatory treatment for U.S.
    investors abroad. Both inbound and outbound investment benefit our
    country by stimulating growth, creating jobs, enhancing productivity,
    and fostering competitiveness that allows our companies and their
    workers to prosper at home and in international markets. My
    administration is committed to ensuring that the United States continues
    to be the most attractive place in the world to invest. I urge other
    nations to join us in supporting an open investment policy and
    protecting international investments.
        My administration is also committed to advancing free and fair trade
    in multilateral, regional, and bilateral negotiations. We will work
    aggressively to conclude the World Trade Organization's Doha Development
    Agenda negotiations and to secure congressional approval of the free
    trade agreements with Colombia, Panama, Peru, and South Korea. The
    prospects for the Doha Development Agenda negotiations to produce
    significant new economic opportunities, particularly in developing
    countries, demand that we do everything possible to reach an outcome
    that creates new trade flows and strengthens global development.

    Note: The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language
    version of this statement.