Text: Bush Praises Senate Passage of U.S.-Vietnam Trade Agreement
(President says agreement will promote trade, reforms)

Following is the White House text of President Bush's statement on the Senate's passage of the U.S.-Vietnam bilateral trade agreement October 3:

(begin text)

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary

October 3, 2001

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

Today's Senate action to establish a bilateral trade agreement with Vietnam is a significant step toward strengthening the ties between our two countries and promoting strength and stability in this important region. The agreement will provide American companies with access to a large and growing market and, through the reforms it promotes, it will help create a more prosperous and engaged Vietnam. The trade agreement also brings hope for improving human rights. I look forward to signing this legislation into law.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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