[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 19 (Monday, May 16, 2005)]
[Pages 791-792]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7900--World Trade Week, 2005

 May 12, 2005

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Free and fair trade creates jobs, raises living standards, and 
lowers prices for families throughout America. It also strengthens our 
relationships with other countries, helping us to forge new partnerships 
based on a commitment to generate new prosperity and a better way of 
life for people in America and throughout the world. This year, as we 
mark the tenth anniversary of the World Trade Organization, World Trade 
Week provides an opportunity to recognize the many benefits of free and 
fair trade in strengthening economies and improving lives.
    Because 95 percent of the world's population resides outside of our 
borders, trade creates opportunities for American farmers, small 
businesses, and manufacturers to sell their products to consumers across 
the world. Trade also raises up the world's poor, bringing hope to those 
in despair.
    Millions of American jobs depend on exports, and my Administration 
is committed to opening markets around the world for American products. 
Since 2001, we have completed free trade agreements with 12 nations, 
representing a combined market of 124 million consumers for American 
products, goods, and services. These agreements will

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create millions of new consumers for America's farmers, manufacturers, 
and small business owners, and deepen our friendships with countries in 
other parts of the world.
    As we open up new markets to trade, we must always ensure that 
American workers are treated fairly. Our workers can compete with 
anyone, anywhere, so long as the rules are fair. My Administration will 
continue to enforce trade agreements and insist upon a level playing 
field for America's workers.
    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 15 through May 21, 
2005, 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 twelfth day of 
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence 
of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:31 a.m., May 13, 
2005]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on May 
17.