Ronald Reagan

“ Each year, World Trade Week provides an opportunity to celebrate the importance of international trade to our present prosperity and our future prospects. Indeed, it benefits us and all the nations with whom we do business.
American business initiative and ingenuity have never stopped at our borders. Since the birth of our Nation, we have been a dynamic force in international trade. That trade has helped us build the most productive economy in the history of mankind. ”

“ The United States is today the world's leading exporter. We export nearly 16 percent more goods to the world than our nearest competitor, yet we export far less of our total production than many other trading nations. We need to increase our exports to further strengthen our economy.
American companies need the same free and fair access to foreign markets that the United States offers to its trading partners. My Administration has stepped up its efforts to counter unfair trade practices and to open foreign markets that have raised barriers to American products. ”

“ I invite the people of the United States to join in appropriate observances to reaffirm the enormous potential of international trade for creating jobs and stimulating economic activity here while it helps to generate prosperity for all. ”