[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 8 (Monday, February 24, 1997)]
[Pages 197-198]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the Telecommunications Services Agreement

February 15, 1997

    I am pleased to announce that American-led negotiations in Geneva 
have resulted today in a landmark agreement that will liberalize world 
trade in telecommunications services. Telecommunications services 
trade--including telephone, data, satellite, and cellular services--is 
already a $600 billion industry. It is expected to grow to more than $1 
trillion over the next 10 years. U.S. telecommunications firms are the 
most competitive in the world. This agreement will open markets in 
nations that account for over 90 percent of the world's 
telecommunications trade and allow U.S. companies to compete on an equal 
basis. Today's agreement will bring clear benefits to American workers, 
businesses, and consumers alike--new jobs, new markets, and lower 
prices--and will spread the benefits of a technology revolution to 
citizens around the world.
    Just 2 months ago the United States led efforts to complete the 
Information Technology Agreement, which zeroes out tariffs on a broad 
range of information technology goods, such as computers, telephone 
equipment, and semiconductors. Today's agreement opens markets for the 
services for which many of those information technology products are 
used--basic telecommunications. These are critical steps toward 
realization of the American vision of a global information 
infrastucture.
    I want to thank the Vice President for his important role in 
launching these negotiations nearly 3 years ago. I also want to 
congratulate America's Trade Representative-designate, Ambassador 
Charlene Barshefsky, for her skilled and determined efforts. This 
important agreement advances our interests

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and opens new opportunities for growth, prosperity, and progress. I also 
want to thank FCC Chairman Reed Hundt and Deputy U.S. Trade 
Representative Jeff Lang who helped bring these negotiations to their 
successful conclusion.