Diplomacy and Business Newspaper

Archives

                                                                  November-december 2003

Colin Powell

Partnership Can Bring Hope

In his keynote address on the second day of the APEC CEO Summit 2003, US Secretary of State Colin Powell said that it is only through partnership between nations as well as between government and business that we can bring the fruits of democracy and free trade to all the people of the world. 

Before the secretary took the podium, participants saw a brief presentation on the STAR Bangkok-Laemchabang Efficient Secure Trade (BEST) project which provided a good example for this theme. Through the cooperation of the governments of the United States and the Kingdom of Thailand along with private enterprises, this project provides secure transport from source to delivery, or between Thai factories and the Laemchabang Deepwater Seaport and the Port of Seattle. With electronic, or E-seals, smart containers are secured and can be tracked from anywhere during their shipping. Through systems of this type, security of trade is enhanced, reducing the threats of terrorism.

Secretary Powell explained that the United States did want this Apec summit to focus on security, but not as a separate issue. He said it is now an integral part in the development of Apec economies, the founding principle of the grouping. He went on to say that providing safe democracies and economies, people's hopes for the basic necessities, roofs over their head, food, jobs, education and health care can be met. People must be able to enjoy a freedom within which they can grow and reach their potential. Then they can become new entrepreneurs and contributors to their country's continued development.  Secretary Powell stated that President Bush is very committed to the World Trade Organization and getting it back on track. At the same time, he and his administration are pursuing bilateral and regional agreements as an integral part of a policy based on friendship and partnership. As examples,

Mr. Powell mentioned the cooperative efforts between the US and The Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand in fighting terrorism and advancing the economy. The US recently signed a FTA with Singapore and an agreement is now being negotiated between the US and Thailand.

The secretary then turned to the North Korean nuclear weapons crisis as another example of how countries in the region, especially China, have joined in 6-party talks in an attempt to solve the situation. He said North Korea should not be worried at all about invasion and therefore, does not need these weapons which pose a threat to the region. Better they worry about feeding their people and developing an economy from which all can ultimately prosper. The former American 4-star general and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff next talked about Iraq and Afghanistan where he said the United States and its coalition partners are committed to bring peace, hope and a brighter future to the people of both countries.

He was very positive about the recent passage of a UN resolution, demonstrating how all are once more coming together for the common good. In addition, the US Congress approving an additional US $ 20 billion demonstrates the American commitment to providing the necessary resources to bring a secure, democratic foundation to both nations so they can live and prosper in peace and freedom.

Mr. Powell ended the session on a very positive note, once more stating that he believed that partnership between all Apec nations is becoming stronger and that the governments along with the private sector can most certainly first bring and then answer the hope of the citizens of all member countries as well as the world. 

 Current Issue

 Special Edition