U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

WASHINGTON : 

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19–011 2003

108th Congress, 1st Session – – – – – – – – – – – – House Document 108–29

NOTIFICATION TO ENTER INTO A FREE TRADE 

AGREEMENT WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF SINGAPORE

MESSAGE

FROM

THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

TRANSMITTING

NOTIFICATION THAT THE PRESIDENT INTENDS TO ENTER INTO 

A FREE TRADE AGREEMENT WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF 

SINGAPORE

FEBRUARY 4, 2003.—Message and accompanying papers referred to the 

Committee on Ways and Means and ordered to be printed 


E:\Seals\Congress.#13
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To the Congress of the United States: 

In accordance with sections 2103(a)(1) and 2105(a)(1) of the 

Trade Act of 2002 (the ‘‘Trade Act’’), I am pleased to notify the Congress of my intent to enter into a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) 

with the Government of Singapore. 

The Agreement we have negotiated promotes our commitment to 

secure a level playing field and open new opportunities for America’s workers, farmers, businesses, and consumers in global trade. 

The United States is a party to only three out of more than 200 

existing FTAs, leaving Americans at a competitive disadvantage in 

many markets. With the enactment of Trade Promotion Authority; 

the completion of this Agreement; ongoing global, regional, and bilateral trade negotiations; and the continued support of the Congress, the United States is reasserting leadership in world trade. 

United States leadership in promoting trade liberalization advances our national interests. Free trade promotes our values by 

encouraging openness, the rule of law, and respect for private property. It builds global prosperity and strengthens security. Free 

trade employs the power of markets to meet the needs of the poor 

and has helped lift millions of people out of poverty by putting 

them on the path to prosperity. In the extended campaign against 

terrorism, free trade can be an economic ally. By helping to create 

opportunity and hope in poorer societies, open trade counters those 

who would destroy rather than create. 

Securing open access to markets abroad is vital to the strength 

and continued growth of the U.S. economy. In the previous decade, 

exports accounted for 25 percent of our economic growth. They currently support the jobs of more than 12 million Americans. 

Singapore is our 11th largest trading partner with total two-way 

trade in goods and services valued at $38.8 billion in 2001. This 

FTA will improve opportunities for U.S. exports, growth, and investment, while also providing increased opportunities for the people of Singapore. This Agreement provides for substantial market 

access across the entire services sector and locks in Singapore’s 

zero tariff rates on goods, including agriculture. 

Fair treatment of U.S. goods and services is important to increasing market access. This Agreement has, among other provisions, 

specific and groundbreaking customs procedures and transparency 

requirements that will promote efficiency and fairness. It also establishes a secure and predictable legal framework for U.S. investors operating in Singapore. 

This is an agreement for the economy of the 21st century. Inventors, performers, authors, and creative enterprises in the United 

States and Singapore will benefit from enhanced copyright, patent, 

trademark, trade secret, and other intellectual property rights protection. The Agreement also contains state-of-the-art protections for 

digital products and electronic commerce. 

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My Administration is committed to moving forward on multiple 

fronts to advance environmental protection and worker rights in a 

credible and responsible manner. This Agreement meets the labor 

and environmental objectives provided by the Congress in the 

Trade Act. 

In sum, free trade is a fundamental source of America’s economic 

vitality. This Agreement will benefit the U.S. economy through 

both higher-paying jobs created by exports and lower prices paid by 

consumers. It will strengthen U.S. ties with a valued economic 

partner and promote America’s political and security interests in 

an important region. 

As called for by the Trade Act, I am sending this notification at 

least 90 days in advance of signing the U.S.-Singapore FTA. My 

Administration looks forward to working with the Congress to develop appropriate legislation to approve and implement this Free 

Trade Agreement.

GEORGE W. BUSH. 

THE WHITE HOUSE, January 29, 2003.

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