For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
March 8, 2004
Message to the Congress of the United States
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 Kingdom of Morocco.
This agreement will create new opportunities for America's workers,
farmers, businesses, and consumers by eliminating barriers in trade
with Morocco. Morocco is one of the United States strongest friends in
the Middle East. Increased trade will benefit Americans and help
strengthen a tolerant, open, and more prosperous Morocco. Entering
into an FTA with Morocco will not only strengthen our bilateral ties
with this important ally, it will also advance my goal of a Middle East
free trade area (MEFTA) within a decade.
Consistent with the Trade Act, I am sending this notification at
least 90 days in advance of signing the United States-Morocco FTA. My
Administration looks forward to working with the Congress in developing
appropriate legis-lation to approve and implement this free trade
agreement.
GEORGE W. BUSH
THE WHITE HOUSE,
March 8, 2004.
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