Don't worry about the United States. We'll be back at the negotiating table this year with trade promotion authority in hand. Seventh, this is a moment of unique opportunity because there is an unprecedentedly large global pool of capital ready to be invested in the region. Starting from a low base following the debt crises of the 1980s, the hemisphere as a whole attracted a respectable share of this dramatic increase in global equity investment. Within the region, however, the distribution of the inflows was uneven.
Foreign investments create jobs, spur innovation and stimulate growth.
The FTAA should help ensure that foreign investment in the hemisphere continues and grows. By creating larger markets for the goods and services produced in the region, it should also make all of the countries of the hemisphere, not just the big ones, more able to attract and hold on to new investment. Ladies and gentleman, the moment is unique and the opportunities are great, but they must be seized. Otherwise, it will be a lost moment and they will be missed opportunities. Today's conference should remind us all how important it is that Quebec lay a hemispheric foundation for free trade and free people.