Let me close with an observation from my time in Seattle last week. We should never forget that trade, investment, and energy integration are not ends in and of themselves, they are the means by which we try to improve people's lives. We may differ on tactics, but we have a large measure of shared values and common interests. While in Seattle I had the privilege to meet with China's Trade minister, Minister Shi Guangsheng. He made a similar point, saying that China entering the WTO would have perhaps a greater impact on the social and political landscape than on economics.
Energy is an issue that touches people's daily lives in so many ways.
In Latin America, energy integration, development and security have a real impact on what I like to call kitchen table issues, the concerns that make real difference in people's daily lives. If you think about a family planning for Christmas- the price of gasoline has an impact on their ability to travel, and on what's left to buy gifts under the tree. The retiree on a fixed income depends on stable, affordable energy to keep her home warm in the winter. A child with asthma in San Diego, Santiago, or Santo Domingo will breathe easier with cleaner energy technology. And young people beginning careers need the growth and opportunity of new frontiers and a strong economy made stronger by a healthy energy sector in Latin America.