Elizabeth Dole on Free Trade

An open global market helps our economy thrive It’s a truism that we live in a global world. But history has shown that the kind of world it is, makes a world of difference. An international economic system dominated by closed markets, command economies, trade barriers and mistrust - would cripple our economy. A world of open markets, free enterprise, free trade and the rule of law - helps us and all our friends to thrive.Source: Remarks to the Detroit Economic Club, 29 April 1999 Apr 29, 1999

Free trade zone for the entire Western Hemisphere The Clinton-Gore team is still stalling on lowering trade barriers by expanding NAFTA. Meanwhile, aside from Mexico, trade is stagnant between the United States and Latin America. The impact is serious:economists calculate that Latin America’s per-capita income will actually be less next year than it was two years ago. That’s why I’m calling for a free trade zone for the entire Western Hemisphere. Nothing could make a greater contribution to growing the economies of all the Americas. Source: Remarks to the Detroit Economic Club, 29 April 1999 Apr 29, 1999

Authorize “Fast Track” for trade negotiations [We need] approval of fast track-the President’s authority, consulting with Congress, to negotiate trade agreements around the world. While we debate and delay, other countries move forward with trade partnerships that put our products at a disadvantage. Fast track does not diminish Congress’s role - it still has the final say, by majority vote, before any agreement would take effect. But fast track does recognize the vital role of the executive in speaking for our country in world trade forums. Source: Remarks to the Detroit Economic Club, 29 April 1999 Apr 29, 1999