Commerce Secretary Don Evans Makes Economic and Moral Case for Free Trade

Washington, DC - Commerce Secretary Don Evans kicked-off World Trade Week with speeches today to the Chamber of Commerce and yesterday to the Business Council International Understanding in New York. The Secretary made the economic and moral case for free trade and outlined the Presidents trade agenda.

"President Bush believes, and I agree that trade means considerably more than just economic growth, higher-paying and more plentiful jobs, and a rising standard of living in America. Trade is ultimately about freedom," said Secretary Evans.

"Governments role is to create the environment in which our people can succeed on their own merit to give them the freedom to use their God-given talents to develop a sense of pride and hope. This encourages them to build better futures for their families, their communities and themselves. Freedom of that order has political and economic consequences," Evans proclaimed.

In conclusion, Evans said "one key element of our strategy is the renewal of the Presidents Trade Promotion Authority. Trade Promotion Authority provides a vehicle to ensure that the Congress and President have agreed on our goals and sets out how they will work to achieve them. Our inaction hurts American businesses, workers, and farmers as they find themselves shut out of the many preferential trade and investment agreements negotiated by our trading partners."

World Trade Week is a nationally recognized program promoting international trade and exporting. World trade significantly contributes to the nation's economy and has developed a vast new horizon for America's businesses.