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.