Tina Smith: “I rise today to speak about World Trade Month. I have always been a free trader, and I am very proud of the many Oregon…”

“I rise today to speak about World Trade Month. I have always been a free trader, and I am very proud of the many Oregon companies that are active in international trade and are pioneers in breaking into new markets and tearing down ancient barriers to commerce and cooperation. As advances in technology and transportation shrink our world, the international trade of goods and ideas becomes more and more vital to our economy. In May 2006, the Commerce Department's Office of Export Assistance organized a very timely and useful program that focused on Asian markets beyond China. Oregonians who pay attention to trade realize the importance of China as a market for goods and services from the Pacific Northwest, but we also have a long and robust history of trade relations elsewhere in Pacific Rim Asia. As a result of this, I have led the Senate's effort to normalize our trade relations with Vietnam and increase trade with the least developed countries in the Asia-Pacific region. As a businessman, I have seen how trade can raise standards of living both in America and around the world. International commerce creates new growth opportunities for our manufacturers and agricultural producers, and WTO membership for Vietnam will help ensure that everyone's playing by the same rules. It will also mean that Oregon farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and service providers will enjoy greater access to a market of more than 83 million new customers.”