March 15, 1984
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
The strength of our exports has meant a great deal to America. To industry, it has meant profits and added opportunities for growth. To labor, exports have meant jobs -- more than five million in 1983. To the American consumer, free and fair trade has meant better products in greater variety and at lower prices. There is no question that world trade is fiercely competitive nowadays. Few industries are unaffected by the pressure of foreign goods and services, whether competing for sales at home or abroad. This is a continuing challenge for us. Some would have the United States look to protectionist measures for the answer to competition. As we learned in the 1930's, protectionism in one country only provokes retaliation and invites protectionism in others. International tension grows, the flow of trade is diminished, and the world economy contracts. Free and fair trade benefits all nations. For this reason, the United States is committed to policies promoting unrestricted trade and investment consistent with our security interests. Internationally, we are working with our trading partners for new negotiations in support of freer world trade, greater competition, and more open markets. At home we have urged American business to challenge foreign competition with aggressive selling, research and development, improved management systems, and innovations. Above all, we must build on the surest foundation for this country's prosperity -- our confidence in our own strength and abilities. Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week beginning May 20, 1984, as World Trade Week, and I invite the people of the United States to join in ceremonies affirming the importance of trade to America and recognizing the need for increased export efforts. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 15th day of March, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the two hundred and eighth. Ronald Reagan [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 4:55 p.m., March 15, 1984]