Former President Bush addresses global trade

By Staff -- Industrial Distribution, 6/1/2000

Dallas-Former U.S. President George Bush received an enthusiastic welcome from ASMMA/I.D.A. members attending the Spring 2000 convention in Dallas, Tex., and, in return, delivered an engaging keynote address.

Bush continued the ASMMA/I.D.A. tradition of high profile keynote speakers who have included, in recent years, Ret. U.S. Gen. Colin Powell, former British Prime Minister John Major and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich.

In addition to providing timely insights into the presidential campaign of his son, Texas Governor George W. Bush, Bush addressed global issues facing the United States for the coming century.

Calling himself an "unabashed optimist," Bush predicted that the new century will bring about a "world with more peace, more democracy, and much more freedom and that is already developing. ... Yet this is not time for the international community to rest on their laurels. There is much more work toward reform left ahead."

On the issue of global trade, Bush noted his strong support of China's bid for entry to the World Trade Organization, saying that it would mean more trade, more opportunity and more freedom for the Chinese people.

"I have no trouble recommending normal trade relationship and membership into the WTO [for China]," Bush said.

Bush, who successfully fought for and negotiated the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which was later signed into law, commented on NAFTA's effect.

"Over the last 10 years, we've seen how freer and fairer trade has helped our economic growth. There has been no giant sucking sound of jobs," Bush said. "Since NAFTA went into effect, more than 18 million jobs have been added in the U.S., and Mexico has surpassed Japan as our largest trading partner."

Bush said the United States must embrace its leadership role in the new century, rather than take an isolationist or protectionist stance.

"I believe it's imperative that we send clear signals to the world that we intend to lead with principle, with clarity and with consistency," Bush said.

Bush declined to comment on policy issues related to the Texas Governor's presidential candidacy, and reported having "no inside information" on who George W. Bush might choose for a running mate.