Bill Clinton: “Mr. Prime Minister, Mr. Deputy Prime Minister, Ambassador Itoh, the members of the Thai and the American business…”

“Mr. Prime Minister, Mr. Deputy Prime Minister, Ambassador Itoh, the members of the Thai and the American business communities, ladies and gentlemen, the tax treaty we are about to sign brings to a close 15 years of negotiations and opens a new era of trade and investment between Thailand and the United States. Mr. Prime Minister, let me personally thank you for pressing for the conclusion of this treaty. I know how hard you worked and I know how much it meant to you. Thank you very much. Our countries already enjoy a thriving and growing economic partnership. The United States is Thailand's largest export market, its second largest trading partner, with two-way trade in excess of $18 billion a year. But until today our companies were at a competitive disadvantage since many other countries already have treaties with Thailand that prevent double taxation in the home country and in Thailand. Now a more level playing field will encourage our businesses to play an even larger role in Thailand's economic success story: to sell their products, to make investments, to share technology, to help to develop Thailand's remarkable human resources through training. The success story of Thailand has been called a miracle. A more down-to-earth and realistic explanation lies in the hard work and fierce determination of the Thai people and the enlightened leadership of their government. You have proved that human resources matter the most if people are free to invent, to trade, and to dream.…”