For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 19, 2003
Statement on U.S.- Thailand FTA Negotiations
Statement by the Press Secretary
President Bush, following his meeting with Prime Minister Thaksin,
announced today his intention to launch negotiations for a
comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA) with Thailand, in accordance
with the procedures specified by Congress. Thailand is the United
States' 18th largest trading partner and an FTA will provide increased
access to its large and growing market for U.S. farmers, manufacturers
and service industries. This action builds on the historic FTA with
Singapore, which the President signed earlier this year, and on his
Enterprise for ASEAN Initiative.
The Administration will consult formally with Congress on a
U.S.-Thailand FTA in the coming weeks, pursuant to U.S. Trade Promotion
Authority enacted in 2002. After these consultations, the
Administration will formally notify Congress of its intent to launch
FTA negotiations and outline objectives for the negotiations.
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