Secretary's Speech

U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez Lunch Remarks with Kuwaiti Commerce Minister
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Washington, D.C.

Sa-laam A-lei-kum!

On behalf of President Bush and myself, I want to welcome Minister Al-Hajeri on his first visit to the United States as Minister of Commerce and Industry.

I first met the Emir and Minister Al-Hajeri in July while returning from a business development trip to Iraq. You were most gracious hosts. I hope you find American hospitality as equally cordial and friendly.

The United States and Kuwait are very good friends and allies. We are partners in trade, in national security, and in expanding democratic rights. And the post-Saddam world provides us with the opportunity to move forward on all these fronts.

My discussions in Kuwait this past July went very well. We focused on deepening our long-standing economic and commercial relationship. I’m encouraged by the discussions that our trade negotiators are having today, under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA).

We look forward to working together on such issues as standards and taxes, while building an even stronger relationship.

Consider the progress we’ve seen in the trade numbers. Last year trade between our countries increased 32 percent to $6.3 billion. And so far this year, bilateral trade is up 11 percent.

Specifically:

• U.S. motor vehicle exports were up by 57 percent last year.
• Meat exports up by 130 percent.
• Iron and steel products up by 75 percent.
• And medical instruments are up by 116 percent.

So it is incumbent on all of us to keep working to improve the business climate for our companies.

We’ve already found common ground in recent months. Protecting the intellectual property of our businesses is vitally important to our economies. So it’s a positive development that Kuwait is making significant efforts to enforce its intellectual property rules.

This is also a critical step toward President Bush’s vision of a Middle East Free Trade Area (MEFTA). Kuwait will play a major role in that plan. We look forward to working with you on this very ambitious project as we expand our commercial relations.

Finally, I want to thank the Emir, Minister Al-Hajeri, and all the Kuwaiti people for your steadfast support of America.

I was in New Orleans last month to mark the first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. The devastation and loss of life caused by the storm was monumental. But the people there are resilient. They are in the midst of rebuilding.

And thanks to your country, they are better off today than they would have been. Kuwait’s donation of $500 million is the largest single donation for the Gulf Coast. It will have a lasting impact for which we are very grateful.

I also want to thank you for Kuwait's assistance in the global war on terror. Your friendship and partnership have been fundamental to the security of the United States, and is enormously appreciated. We remain committed to a long, deep and lasting friendship.

Shu-kran Ja-ZEE-lan.