D.C. Good morning. Our topic today is by no means a simple one. Electronic commerce, and the broader phenomenon of the Internet, are in their infancy. They are developing with great speed and unpredictable consequences, and are already forcing governments to think differently about many issues.
Trade is no exception.
And today I would like to offer some thoughts about the principles and specific objectives we believe can be a guide to trade policy as this new world develops. The Information Revolution, to begin with, is changing life and work in almost every field. In science, virtual reality guides microscopic cameras through blood vessels or a robot across the landscape of Mars. In travel, the Global Positioning Service helps safeguard shipping and make family vacations easier and safer through immediate warnings of bad weather or traffic jams ahead. As we have in the past, however, we will find the blessings of freedom far outweigh the cost.