[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 122, 110th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8257--MAY 15, 2008

Proclamation 8257 of May 15, 2008
World Trade Week, 2008
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Free and fair trade helps secure a future of freedom and promise. During
World Trade Week, we recognize the positive effects of opening markets
around the world. Open markets play an integral role in America's
economic progress, creating better-paying jobs, expanding consumer
choices, and providing increased opportunities for American workers and
employers. Free and fair trade also increases economic growth among our
trading partners.
My Administration is committed to expanding economic freedom worldwide.
We will continue to seek an ambitious outcome in the Doha Round that
will reduce and eliminate tariffs and other barriers on goods and open
new markets for services trade. The Doha Round provides a once-in-a-
generation opportunity to advance open markets, strengthen economic
growth, and help millions rise out of poverty.
We also encourage the Congress to approve our pending trade agreements
with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea. Our free trade agreement with
Colombia is important, because it will support one of our closest allies
in the Western Hemisphere currently under assault from a terrorist
network. Congressional approval of this agreement would make clear
America's unshakeable commitment to advancing the benefits of free
markets and the interests of free people.
Today, nearly 250,000 U.S. firms export U.S. products. Ninety-seven
percent of those exporters are small- or medium-sized businesses. The
number of U.S. small business exporters has more than doubled since




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1992. Those businesses have surpassed a quarter of a trillion dollars in
annual export sales.
Free and fair trade helps reinforce our Nation's commitments to
democracy, transparency, and the rule of law. This week and throughout
the year, we recognize the importance of trade in promoting prosperity
and freedom in the United States and around the world.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 18 through May 24,
2008, as World Trade Week. I encourage all Americans to observe this
week with events, trade shows, and educational programs that celebrate
the benefits of trade to our Nation and the global economy.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.
GEORGE W. BUSH