    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 13 (Monday, March 29, 2004)]
    [Page 462]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Message to the Congress Transmitting Notice of Intention To Enter Into a
    Free Trade Agreement With the Dominican Republic

    March 24, 2004

    To the Congress of the United States:

        Consistent with section 2105(a)(1)(A) of the Trade Act of 2002
    (Public Law 107-210; the ``Trade Act''), I am pleased to notify the
    Congress of my intent to enter into a free trade agreement (FTA) with
    the Government of the Dominican Republic.
        This agreement will create new opportunities for America's workers,
    farmers, businesses, and consumers by eliminating barriers to trade with
    the Dominican Republic, the largest economy in the Caribbean Basin. At
    the same time, it will help bring to the Dominican Republic expanded
    economic freedom and opportunity, and it will provide an opportunity for
    regional stability, democracy, and economic development through closer
    ties of commerce, investment, and friendship.
        Consistent with the Trade Act, I am sending this notification at
    least 90 days in advance of entering into an agreement with the
    Dominican Republic. My Administration looks forward to working with the
    Congress in developing appropriate legislation to approve and implement
    this free trade agreement.
                                                    George W. Bush
     The White House,
     March 24, 2004.

    Note: This message was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    March 25. An original was not available for verification of the content
    of this message.