First, let me congratulate our corporate executives for their bold vision and foresight to come to Asia. I'm impressed by the number of American firms operating in this rich and thriving economy in Malaysia. You are making the long term investments that our country needs to create jobs and prosperity back home, while promoting economic growth and opportunity throughout the Pacific region. Today one American job in 13 depends on trade. In 50 years, one in five.
Trade is no longer just important to America's future, it is our future.
President Clinton is fully aware of these trends. He is actively engaged in world affairs, and extraordinarily committed to enhancing America's relationships in Asia. His first trip overseas as President was to Asia, and this week I'll be joining him in Osaka for the APEC leaders summit. The President has asked members of his Cabinet to devote as much time and effort as we can to opening markets, developing relations, and advocating for American companies around the globe. And I'm very pleased to be part of that effort.