[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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