It's smart business and it's the right thing to do for the right reasons. The prospects for developments in trade in the Americas are truly remarkable. I'm sure that's the message you're getting and the message you'll take home with you. You've also heard how challenging the job will be to put the many pieces together and arrive at agreements that satisfy all parties.
Economic growth is, of course, a driving force.
Tearing down barriers to trade and commerce for goods, services and capital promises a higher standard of living for all of us here at home and our neighbors abroad. But there must be more to it and there is. Free and open trade is an important foundation for democracy, social freedom and political stability in our hemisphere and around the world. In liberalizing trade agreements, we are recognizing that the genius of the free enterprise system relies on and encourages human freedom. Free men and women conducting their business in free markets can pursue their economic destinies and go as far as their dreams, talents and initiative take them.