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Dear Colleague:
We encourage you to join the Friends of Thailand Caucus,
which is aimed at promoting and strengthening bilateral
relations between the United States and the Kingdom
of Thailand in all its aspects-political, economic,
and social.
As you know, President Bush, during his visit to Thailand
on October 19, 2003, announced his intention to launch
negotiations for a comprehensive free trade agreement
(FTA) with Thailand. This initiative reflects the growing
partnership the U.S. has long enjoyed with Thailand,
a relationship dating back over 170 years to 1833 when
both nations signed their first bilateral trade agreement,
also the first between the U.S. and an Asian nation.
On the economic front, the FTA will lead to many opportunities
for U.S. businesses. Currently, Thailand is already
the U.S.'s 17th largest trading partner and 23rd largest
export market, with U.S. exports to Thailand rising
over 14 per cent during the first ten months of last
year. With an FTA, this is set to rise even further
for both U.S. agricultural as well as manufactured exports.
The U.S. is also one of Thailand's largest foreign investors,
with U.S. companies investing over $16 billion in the
Kingdom over the years.
Equally important, Thailand has also been one of the
U.S.'s most dependable treaty allies in the Asia-Pacific.
Given their many shared values and beliefs, the U.S.
and Thailand enjoy a very close defense and security
relationship, with our troops fighting side-by-side
in many wars since Korea. Both countries have also been
working together in the global fight against terrorism,
with Thai troops on the ground in both Afghanistan and
Iraq. The importance of this security relationship was
underscored yet again when the President designated
Thailand as a Major Non-NATO Ally last year.
The creation of the Friends of Thailand Caucus is therefore
aimed at further promoting the growing relationship
between the U.S. and Thailand. While the Caucus will
work to strengthen our ties in all its facets, it will
also be crucial as we support the FTA with Thailand.
Those negotiations are expected to begin later this
year. The official launch of the caucus on the Hill
will include leading officials from the Administration
and the Royal Thai Government in the weeks ahead. We
therefore urge to you join.
If you would like to join or you need additional information,
please contact Christopher Wenk with Mr. Camp (5-3561)
or Mel Spence with Mr. Jefferson (5-6636).
Sincerely,
______________DAVE CAMP
_____________________________WILLIAM
JEFFERSON
__________Member of Congress___________________________
Member of Congress
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