    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 39 (Monday, October 1, 2007)]
    [Pages 1260-1261]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Message to the Congress Transmitting Proposed Legislation To Implement
    the United States-Peru Free Trade Agreement

    September 27, 2007

    To the Congress of the United States:

        I am pleased to transmit legislation and supporting documents to
    implement the United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (Agreement).
    The Agreement represents a historic development in our relations with
    Peru, and it reflects the commitment of the United States to supporting
    democracy and economic growth in Peru. It will also help Peru battle
    illegal crop production by creating alternative economic opportunities.

        In negotiating this Agreement, my Administration was guided by the
    objectives set out in the Trade Act of 2002. The Agreement will create
    significant new opportunities for American workers, farmers, ranchers,
    businesses, and consumers by opening new markets and eliminating
    barriers.

        Under the Agreement, tariffs on approximately 80 percent of U.S.
    exports will be eliminated immediately. This will help to level the
    playing field, since over 97 percent of our imports from Peru already
    enjoy duty-free access to our market under U.S. trade preference
    programs. United States agricultural exports will enjoy substantial new
    improvements in access. Almost 90 percent, by value, of current U.S.
    agricultural exports will be able to enter Peru duty-free immediately,
    compared to less than 2 percent currently. By providing for the
    effective enforcement of labor and environmental laws, combined with
    strong remedies for noncompliance, the Agreement will contribute to
    improved worker rights and high levels of environmental protection in
    Peru.

        The Agreement forms an integral part of my Administration's larger
    strategy of opening markets around the world through negotiating and
    concluding global, regional, and bilateral trade initiatives. The
    Agreement provides the opportunity to strengthen our economic and
    political ties with the Andean region, and underpins U.S. support for
    democracy and freedom while contributing to further hemispheric
    integration.

        Approval of this Agreement is in our national interest.

                                                    George W. Bush

     The White House,
     September 27, 2007.

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