President George W. Bush Wednesday signed legislation that
includes a bill granting Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) to
Vietnam.
"With this bill, America will broaden our trade relations with
Vietnam. It's going to help the Vietnamese people build a strong
economy that's going to raise their standard of living," said
Bush.
He also said trade is an engine of economic growth, adding the
best way to increase global prosperity is "to open markets to free
and fair trade."
"This comprehensive legislation, approved with broad bipartisan
support in Congress, underscores the United States' commitment to
advancing trade policies that benefit all Americans while also
promoting economic development," said US Trade Representative Susan
C. Schwab in a statement.
The US Congress gave its final approval to the Vietnam trade
bill on Dec. 9. The legislation Bush signed on Wednesday also
extends or broadens four trade preference programs that have helped
spur economic growth and alleviate poverty in developing
countries.
(Xinhua News Agency December 21, 2006)
