September 18, 1984
In his meeting today with the Committee, President Reagan will point to the growing importance
of the Pacific to the United States and reiterate his personal commitment to strengthening and
expanding America's cooperative ties with nations of that region. The President will make his
remarks during a reception given for a group of prominent Americans active in U.S. relations with
the nations of the Pacific Basin.
The White House reception precedes the founding meeting of the group, the United States
National Committee for Pacific Economic Cooperation. The bipartisan committee includes
approximately 50 leaders from the country's business, government, and academic communities,
and is an outgrowth of regional economic discussions held over the past 4 years. Its formation is
an important step in the continuing progress toward improved communications and cooperation
among the countries of the Pacific.
The Committee, a private nonprofit body, corresponds to similar bodies being formed elsewhere
in the Pacific region. Among its roles will be coordination of the United States contribution to the
region-wide economic dialog carried out under the auspices of the Pacific Economic Cooperation
Conference. It is also expected to serve as a focal point of U.S. economic policy and strategy
toward the Pacific. Serving on the Committee are Members of Congress, leading corporate
executives involved in Asia-Pacific trade, representatives from several executive branch
departments and agencies, numerous Asia-Pacific scholars, and representatives of such
organizations as the Asia Foundation and the Asia Society.