World Trade Week, 2007

Proclamation 8147 of May 18, 2007

World Trade Week, 2007

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

World trade is essential to promoting global economic
growth, development, freedom, and prosperity. During
World Trade Week, we underscore our commitment to free
and fair trade and acknowledge the benefits of open
markets for our citizens and for people around the
globe.

Trade creates wealth and opportunities, and United
States engagement in the global economy has contributed
to rising living standards throughout our country.
Businesses that participate in international trade are
more productive, have higher employment growth, and pay
greater wages. Advancing free trade on a level playing
field helps ensure that America benefits from the
international market.

My Administration is committed to reducing barriers to
trade, strengthening our strategic partnerships, and
promoting economic growth throughout the world. At the
beginning of my Administration, America had free trade
agreements with three countries. Today, we have free
trade agreements in force with 14 countries, creating
benefits for American businesses, workers, and
consumers. These trade agreements are particularly
important for small and medium-sized companies to help
them identify and take full advantage of new trade
opportunities.

The United States continues to work with other nations
in the World Trade Organization to complete the Doha
Development Round, which has the potential to lift
millions of people out of poverty. I have also called
upon the Congress to extend Trade Promotion Authority
so we can complete the Doha Round and continue to
negotiate robust trade agreements. By working to expand
trade, we open new markets for American products and
services and help build free economies that can raise
the standard of living for families.

NOW, THEREFORE I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim May 20 through May 26, 2007,
as World Trade Week. I encourage all Americans to
observe this week with events, trade shows, and
educational programs that celebrate the benefits of
trade to our Nation and the global economy.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
eighteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two
thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.