U.S. trade representative heads to RI, S'pore, Thailand
U.S. trade representative heads to RI, S'pore, Thailand
Agence France Presse, Washington
U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick said Wednesday he would tour Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia this week to press for freer trade in Southeast Asia.
The four-day trip, starting Thursday, was aimed at promoting trade liberalization and underscoring the importance of economic integration in the Asia Pacific region, he said.
"This trip is an important indication of America's economic engagement with Southeast Asia," Zoellick said in a statement.
"Trade liberalization is a win-win opportunity," he added.
"Trade boosts economies and opens markets for farmers, businesses and workers, thereby creating jobs and providing consumers with more choices, lower costs and better quality goods and services."
Zoellick is to arrive in Thailand on Thursday for a two-day visit, during which he also is to meet with economic ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
"I am honored to be the first U.S. Trade Representative to travel to Thailand in over a decade," he said.
ASEAN is an important market of 500 million people and our fourth largest trading partner.
We anticipate renewing a relationship that can open Southeast Asia to U.S. exports.
The U.S. trade boss is to visit Singapore and Indonesia from April 5-7, the statement said.
In Singapore, Zoellick was scheduled to discuss progress in negotiations for a U.S.-Singapore free trade agreement (FTA) and its impact on the region, it said.
He was due to meet with Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri in the final leg of the tour to express the support of President George W. Bush's administration for her government and efforts to promote economic reforms, the statement said.
"Economic development in Southeast Asia is a key contributor to regional stability and promoting greater prosperity," Zoellick said.
"I look forward to meeting again with Indonesian President Megawati and Singapore Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew to discuss how trade liberalization, particularly our future FTA with Singapore, can promote economic growth throughout the region."
Indonesia faced critical economic reforms to restore the economy to good health, Zoellick said.
The U.S. trade chief said he would visit the Indonesian islands of Batam and Bintan during the trip.