[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 20 (Monday, May 23, 1994)]
[Pages 1113-1114]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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Proclamation 6690--World Trade Week, 1994

May 18, 1994

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

    As we observe World Trade Week, 1994, we find our Nation well-
positioned to compete in the 1990s. Our economy is the strongest in the 
industrialized world. Our work force is second to none. Our system of 
higher education is unequalled. And our people are more optimistic--and 
have reason to be.
    Yet, success in world markets is not automatic--it requires planning 
and effort.
    ``U.S. Exports Equal U.S. Jobs,'' the theme of World Trade Week, 
illustrates why the United States must make the push to increase the 
involvement of American business in international markets. Exports have 
become a critical engine of our Nation's economic progress. In the past 
5 years, exports of goods and services have been responsible for more 
than 40 percent of U.S. economic growth.
    Today one in every five manufacturing jobs is linked to exports. 
Exports of goods and services support some 10.5 million jobs. And 
exports lead to better paying jobs. American workers producing for 
export earn 17 percent more than the overall average wage.
    The intersection of domestic and international business makes it 
more important than ever to emphasize all of the factors that make 
America competitive. Sustainable economic growth is possible only if we 
solve those societal problems that keep our people from achieving their 
best.
    The first order of business for this Administration was to improve 
the economic climate at home, and this continues to be my priority. We 
have made great strides in bringing the Federal budget deficit under 
control. Fiscal restraint has prompted a surge in business investment. 
We are in the process of implementing a policy that encourages private 
and public partnerships. We have begun the difficult job of helping the 
defense industry to convert to a more commercial business. And we are 
devoting more attention to secondary education and to training and 
retraining our work force.
    This Administration is working vigorously to secure a health care 
plan for all Americans, and we have proposed a reform of our welfare 
system. We have major initiatives underway to fight crime and drug 
trafficking.
    These steps toward healthy economic growth and a more secure society 
represent the essential underpinning for America to compete in the world 
economy.
    However, U.S. companies must have fair access to international 
markets. We have placed a high priority on reducing trade barriers 
abroad, and we are making progress. The North American Free Trade 
Agreement creates a vibrant, integrated market on our own continent and 
opens up great possibilities for an even larger free trade area in the 
future. The successful conclusion of the Uruguay Round of GATT trade 
negotiations after 7 years of hard bargaining now should lead to a 
significant expansion of global trade.
    Partnership between the United States Government and the private 
sector is necessary if we are to reach the economic goals outlined early 
in my Administration. The Federal Government is committed to being a 
constructive partner by creating a favorable environment for the U.S. 
private sector to conduct business at home and abroad. However, the main 
responsibility for developing overseas markets lies with the private 
sector. It is up to business to take the risks, but the risks bring the 
right to reap the rewards.
    Our workers will reap the rewards in the form of many new jobs, 
because exports can be our number one method of creating high-wage jobs.
    All this leads to only one conclusion: We must thrive globally to 
secure a healthier economy, and it is in the interest of business, 
workers, and the entire population to do so. We must sell more in the 
global marketplace--and we are continuing to do our best to expand that 
marketplace for American goods. We must also promote trade in a way that 
benefits workers and encourages sustainable development.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the 
Constitution and the laws of the United

[[Page 1114]]

States, do hereby proclaim the week beginning May 22, 1994, as ``World 
Trade Week.'' I invite the people of the United States to join in 
appropriate observances to reaffirm the potential of international trade 
for creating prosperity for all.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day 
of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-four, and of 
the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
eighteenth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 4:20 p.m., May 18, 1994]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on May 20.