The Economic Times

Monday, October 20, 2003

Bush plans to sign free trade pacts with Australia, Thailand

REUTERS

SYDNEY: US President George Bush said that he wanted to reach a free-trade
agreement with Australia by the end of the year and would push to resolve
differences that include how fast US farm tariffs should fall.

"I told John (Howard, Australia's PM) that we'd like to get a free trade
agreement done by the end of this year and it's a good opportunity to say
that again," Mr Bush said.

Meanwhile, rewarding a close ally in the war on terrorism, Mr Bush said on
Sunday his government would launch negotiations with Thailand on a
comprehensive free trade agreement. President Bush also said he had
designated Thailand as a major non-Nato ally, clearing the way for Bangkok
to acquire more US military equipment.

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